Global streaming site Viki has announced their first original series, Dramaworld, a 10-episode comedy-drama set in Los Angeles and Korea. Designed as a love-letter to fans of Asian dramas, the show is written in both English and Korean to specifically meet the needs of the international fanbase for the genre.

The series stars Australian newcomer Liv Hewson as Claire Duncan, a young woman obsessed with Korean dramas who finds herself sucked through the screen of her smartphone into the world of her favorite show, where she soon discovers she has a role to play. Co-starring roles include Sean Dulake (Athena: Goddess of War) as the leading man of her favorite drama and Justin Chon (The Twilight Saga) as Claire's newfound friend who helps guide her through Dramaworld.

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Image via Summit Entertainment

Viki CEO Tammy H Nam said in a press release

“Dramaworld is our love letter to drama fans everywhere...This sort of American/Korean web drama mash-up has never been done; we’re pushing boundaries everywhere, including the international co-production and distribution team from China, Korea and the U.S. We’re very excited to introduce this show to many millions of viewers and hope to break language and culture barriers in the most fun way possible.”


Dramaworld will begin filming this month in Seoul and debut exclusively on Viki's streaming site in early 2016, before spreading to partner sites at a later date. Viki will co-produce the original series with China's Jetvana Entertainment, EnterMedia Contents and Third Culture Content. Josh Billig and Chris Martin will co-write the series, with Martin on board to direct all 10 episodes. Plans are already in motion for a second and third season.

Here's the official Dramaworld synopsis:

“Dramaworld” follows Claire Duncan (played by Australian newcomer Liv Hewson), a cute if slightly nerdy 20-year-old college student who’s obsessed with Korean dramas and remains glued to the screen at every opportunity, following her favorite leading man, Joon Park (played by Sean Dulake of Korean dramas “Jejungwon” and “Athena: Goddess of War”). Through a twist of fate and a touch of magic, Claire's world is turned upside down as she finds herself sucked into her favorite show through her smartphone, transporting her into Dramaworld. Claire will soon find out, with a little help from her new friend Seth (played by Justin Chon of “The Twilight Saga” and “21 & Over”), that even she has a role to play in this world.

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Image via Viki