'Descendants of the Sun' to be exported to over 27 countries

'Descendants of the Sun' to be exported to over 27 countries.

SEOUL, March 23 (Yonhap) -- South Korean TV sensation "Descendants of the Sun" has been exported to 27 countries and the number is set to grow, its production company said Wednesday.

Next Entertainment World said that the burgeoning attention the drama has been attracting overseas raised the possibility of sealing more broadcasting contracts in the near future.

China and Japan have bought broadcasting rights for US$250,000 and US$100,000 per episode, respectively. According to the company, for undisclosed rates, it will be aired in an additional 25 countries: England, France, Italy, Germany, Romania, Sweden, Spain, Poland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Russia, Austria, Finland, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, Taiwan, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia, the United States and Singapore.

This undated photo compilation shows scenes from "The Descendants of the Sun." (Yonhap)

The growing list of contracts is quite impressive given the series is still in the middle of broadcasting. Usually, it takes time for a TV drama to be exported.

"Descendants of the Sun" is only halfway through its 16-episode arch with the eighth episode the last to be aired.

That the drama was completed in its entirety ahead of broadcast and it is enjoying amazing popularity in China and beyond seems to arm the company with an advantage in negotiating export terms.

It has been translated into 32 different languages and serviced in the Americas via streaming video site Viki. The Korean drama has been shown exclusively on the site, and is the most-searched drama among the 50 latest videos. Given the growing popularity, it is a matter of time before more languages will be on offer.

"Descendants of the Sun" is about a doctor and an army captain who fall in love as they try to save lives in the fictional war-torn country of Uruk.

Since it first aired on Feb. 24 simultaneously in South Korea and China, the drama has been an instant hit in the pan-Asia region.

This undated photo compilation shows scenes from "The Descendants of the Sun." (Yonhap)