Netflix picks JTBC's Man to Man as first K-drama for broadcasting internationally

'Man to Man' will be available for streaming via Netflix on 190 countries with subtitles in over 20 languages.

Man to Man JTBC
Park Hae-jin and Park Sung-woong in a scene from the teaser for JTBC's 'Man to Man.' Youtube.com/JTBC Drama

JTBC's upcoming television drama 'Man to Man' has been picked up by prestigious American entertainment company Netflix. It is the first-ever Korean drama to be broadcast through Netflix. The streaming giant will broadcast the drama to all countries where Netflix service is available.

Website Soompi reports that on April 7, international television rights of 'Man to Man' were obtained by Netflix. Apart from airing on JTBC's own network channel, 'Man to Man' will also air on the 190 countries where Netflix is available for streaming, reports the K-Pop website. It will reportedly have subtitles available in over 20 different languages as well.

Soompi also reports that Netflix subscribers will be able to watch the drama in Korea within an hour of its domestic broadcast on JTBC. As for American subscribers of Netflix, they will be offered 'Man to Man' as two 8-episode instalments.

'Man to Man' tells the story of a popular actor played by Park Sung-woong and his bodyguard, played by actor Park Hae-jin, a man who is also trained in special investigations. Actor Song Joong-ki will reportedly appear in a cameo role in the drama. A good deal of comedy is expected from the bromance pairing of Park Hae-jin and Park Sung-woong, as evidenced from the trailer.

Speaking via Naver VAPP about working with Park Sung-woong in September last year, Hae-jin said he was honoured to be able to work with him, as noted by The Jakarta Post. He added, "Park Sung-woong and I first met on the set of 'East of Eden,'" Park said. "And this is the first time we are on the same project together." The 2008 South Korean drama 'East of Eden," also featured Park Sung-woong's wife, Shin Eun-jung.

'Man to Man' will air its first episode on April 21 at 11 pm KST. It will be occupying the same time slots on Fridays and Saturdays previously held by 'Strong Woman Do Bong Soon,' which will come to an end on April 15. The Park Bo-young led drama has been raking in some impressive ratings thanks to the performances of its three leads, the extraordinary strengths of Do Bong-soon and the chemistry between the stars on-screen.

As per a new set of stills and a trailer released though, Park Bo-young's character in 'Strong Woman Do Bong Soon' will be facing a life threatening situation while trying to save her friend. One of the stills for episode 13 show someone pointing a gun at Do Bong-soon's chest. It is possible that she may be shot and killed because a scene in the preview for the episode show park Hyung-sik's character weeping profusely while clutching Do Bong-soon in his chest.

In any case, the story for 'Man to Man' seems quite interesting as an idea. Whether it is executed in an exciting manner is what remains to be seen. Watch the teaser below.

This article was first published on April 7, 2017