South Korean first for Turkish drama

South Korean channel GTV has acquired what it claims to be the first Turkish drama series to air on Korean television.

GTV will show the title, Phi, in November as it looks to introduce Turkish drama to the Korean market.

The channel focuses on a female audience with a line up of lifestyle, cookery and fashion programming.

Mint Media Group, the group that facilitated the deal alongside international distributor Eccho Rights, will dub the series in Korean.

Phi was created by producer Ay Yapim. The first season’s twelve episodes are said to have generated over 85 million views for online Turkish OTT service Puhu TV.

Phi is a psychological thriller following the celebrity psychiatrist Can Manay (Ozan Güven), whose world is turned upside down by the his beautiful new neighbour, who is in a seemingly perfect relationship with composer boyfriend.

Fredrik af Malmborg, managing director of Eccho Rights, said: “Phi marks an important new direction for Turkish dramas, with whole new markets opened up by its premium quality, run time and format.

“Striking a deal with a Korean broadcaster is a huge breakthrough and we look forward to bringing this incredible series to more viewers worldwide following this deal.”