JTBC's new spy drama "Man to Man" may be pressured by the positive performance of its predecessor "Strong Woman Do Bong Soon" in terms of ratings. But it has the very rare opportunity to penetrate a global market as it becomes the first Korean drama be broadcast simultaneously by the streaming giant Netflix.
According to a report by Variety, Netflix has acquired exclusive rights to broadcast the Korean spy drama topbilled by "Cheese in the Trap" star Park Hae Jin and "East of Eden" actor Park Sung Woong who will play a secret agent and a popular actor. "Man to Man" will revolve around Hae Jin's character Kim Sul Woo as he goes undercover to work as a bodyguard to Sung Woong's character Yeo Woon Gwang who sees him as an unnecessary inconvenience.
Netflix will be streaming "Man to Man" at the same time as JTBC and will simulcast airing to 190 countries and its almost 100 million subscribers worldwide. The series will be available with 20 subtitles to make it accessible to all types of audience.
While "Man to Man" stands a good chance to become an international hit, its cast and crew are still not exempt from being nervous about how the show will be received in Korea. It can be recalled that Man to Man will be replacing JTBC ratings dynamo "Strong Woman Do Bong Soon" for its Friday and Saturday night timeslot.
In a report by Soompi, "Man to Man" PD Lee Won Suk said that the show's team does feel some pressure from the precedent set by "Strong Woman Do Bong Soon." However, it's a challenge that also presents an opportunity for the Man to Man team.
"I would be lying if I said that we don't feel burdened by it; however, that drama was very helpful in establishing JTBC's presence in that time slot," he said. He said that "Man to Man" will pull out many unexpected and entertaining surprises when it starts to air so audience should not simply dismiss the show as a typical spy drama.
