South Korea will receive a live-action drama adaptation of the hitidol video game and anime franchise, with a few significant changes.
A recent press release by Bandai Namco Entertainment and Interactive Media Mix (IMX) has announced that popular Japanese anime and game franchise The Idolmaster will become a live-action Korean TV drama series in the near future. The Idolmaster began as an arcade game in 2005 and has since seen numerous video game sequels and media spin-offs, including a TV anime series, drama CDs, and manga installments. The basic premise of each adaptation revolves around a producer at a talent agency who must transform the prospective idols into stars.
▼ The logo for the Korean Idolmaster drama
Many Korean dramas have been based on Japanese manga and anime series, including Boys over Flowers (2009) (adapted from manga/anime Hana Yori Dango), City Hunter (2011) (based on City Hunter, obviously), and To the Beautiful You(2012) (from Hanazakari no Kimitachi e). This latest adaptation, which may be the first time that a K-drama has drawn inspiration from a Japanese video game, is tentatively titled THE iDOLM@STER.KR, and casting auditions are scheduled to begin in mid-May.
That’s right, you read that correctly. Just as in the original game, the live-action drama series will follow the lives of several idols-in-training. However, instead of basing the drama characters on preexisting Idolmaster cuties, the show will aim to paint a picture of idols’ growth and activities in the real-world Korean entertainment production industry by casting actual idol hopefuls to be part of a new idol unit. After auditions have closed, viewers from around the world will cast votes for their favorite prospective idols and the top 15 will be selected to star in the show.
▼ Takane and Chihaya don’t look too broken up about missing their shot at K-drama fame.
Bandai and IMX have also launched a special THE iDOLM@STER.KR website to coincide with the upcoming production. While audition information is only being updated in Korean, the site provides a basic synopsis of the show which can be viewed in nine other languages.
One final note: anyone, living anywhere in the world, can submit an audition to be in the drama, but if selected, winners will need to move to South Korea to take part in the training and filming process. Good luck, everyone!
Sources: Cupo, The Idolmaster.KR
Top image: Twitter/@idolmaster_kr
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