Global on-demand video streaming service iQIYI International will be releasing next year its first Korean original drama “My Roommate is a Gumiho.”
The romantic horror comedy drama is based on “Living Together,” one of Korea’s most popular webtoons.
“My Roommate is a Gumiho” will be headlined by Korean actor Jang Ki-yong who will play the “gumiho,” a nine-tailed fox spirit who has spent the last 999 years trying to attain human form. His co-star is Girl’s Day member and actress Hyeri, a college student who accidentally swallows his gumiho pearl without which he cannot become human. In order to know how to extract the pearl from her body, she and Jang become roommates for three months.
The drama is written by Baek Sun-woo and Choi Bo-rim (“What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim”), directed by Nam Sung-woo (“Kkondae Intern”) and is jointly produced by iQIYI International, Studio Dragon and JTBC Studio.
“iQIYI International is thrilled to have produced ‘My Roommate is a Gumiho’ as our first Korean Original show. We are privileged to work together with some of Korea’s greatest storytellers to turn this fantastical tale into an exciting new drama series for fans of the beloved webtoon and iQIYI fans around the world to enjoy,” according to Kuek Yu-Chuang, vice president of International Business for iQIYI International.
Jang Ki-yong’s drama credits include “Born Again,” “Search: WWW,” “Confession Couple” and “Beautiful Mind” while Hyeri’s drama projects include “Reply 1988,” “Miss Lee” and “Two Cops.”
“I’m excited to bring to life one of Korea’s most anticipated webtoon dramas and share it with the world through iQIYI International,” said director Nam Sung-woo. “iQIYI has been a great partner that deeply understands our passion for authentic Asian storytelling. We hope everyone will support the stars Jang Ki Yong and Hyeri and enjoy watching the show as much as we enjoyed creating it.”
Sherwin Dela Cruz, iQIYI Philippines country manager, said that “we are excited to bring this news to our growing base of Filipino viewers. ‘My Roommate is a Gumiho’ is yet another exciting addition to iQIYI’s growing portfolio of K-content. Viewers can look forward to even more Asian entertainment that we have in the pipeline over the next few months.”
“My Roommate is a Gumiho” will be streamed exclusively on iQIYI International in 2021 on www.iQ.com, or via the iQIYI mobile app. Subtitles for the drama will also be available in eight different languages.