Iris (TV series)

Iris (Korean: 아이리스; RR: Airiseu) is a 2009 South Korean espionage television drama series, starring Lee Byung-hun, Kim Tae-hee, Jung Joon-ho, Kim Seung-woo, Kim So-yeon and T.O.P (Choi Seung-hyun) of Big Bang. The plot revolves around two best friends from the 707th Special Mission Battalion recruited into a secret South Korean black ops agency known as the National Security Service. As the two friends find their loyalties tested and forge new, unlikely alliances, the journey takes them from their home country to Hungary, Japan, and China where they find themselves at the center of an international conspiracy. It aired on KBS2 from October 14 to December 17, 2009, on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 21:55 for 20 episodes.

Iris
Promotional poster
Original title아이리스
Genre
Created byJung Tae-won
Written by
  • Choi Wan-kyu
  • Kim Hyun-jun
  • Jo Gyu-won
  • Kim Jae-un
Directed by
Starring
Composer(s)
  • Lee Dong-joon
  • Choi Sung-kown
Country of originSouth Korea
Original language(s)
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes20
Production
Executive producer(s)Choi Ji-young ( KBS Drama Operations Team )
Producer(s)Kim Young-jo
Production location(s)
Camera setupSingle-camera
Running time60 minutes
Production company(s)
  • Taewon Entertainment
  • H Plus
DistributorKBS
Release
Original networkKBS
Picture format
Audio format
Original releaseOctober 14 (2009-10-14) –
December 17, 2009 (2009-12-17)
Chronology
Followed byIris II: New Generation
Related showsAthena: Goddess of War
External links
Website
Korean name
Hangul
Revised RomanizationAiriseu
McCune–ReischauerAirisŭ

With a budget in excess of 40 billion won (34 million USD), Iris along with its spin-off Athena: Goddess of War, share the record for the most expensive Korean dramas ever produced.[1][2] The series was a critical and commercial success, with an average viewership of over 30% in addition to ranking as the top program consistently every week after its debut.[3] The series also took home many of the highest honors at the 2009 KBS Drama Awards, including the Daesang Award for Lee Byung-hun.

The success of the series has led to a feature film, a 2010 spin-off, and a sequel series in 2013.

Synopsis

Best friends who are like brothers Kim Hyun-jun (Lee Byung-hun) and Jin Sa-woo (Jung Joon-ho), were training under the South Korean army's 707th Special Mission Battalion until they were scouted by NSS (National Security Service). The duo was independently scouted by the beautiful NSS agent, Choi Seung-hee (Kim Tae-hee). Unaware they have been scouted, the two were secretly captured and subjected through a simulated torture test, and both passed their test to be worthy NSS agents. In the process, they also fell in love with Seung-hee, who has kept the scouting process a secret from them.

After completing the test, Hyun-jun and Sa-woo were introduced to the director of the NSS, Baek San (Kim Yeong-cheol). Baek San explained to them that the NSS is a secret organization tasked with preempting foreign threats and protecting the country's interests through wetwork operations, including assassination of anyone who could be a threat to South Korean (SK) national security. Since its founding in 1976, during the rule of Park Chung-hee, the agency's very existence has remained a state secret from everyone, including the President.

After entering NSS, the pair learned that Seung-hee was their undercover scout agent. While the duo was surprised and somewhat hurt, Hyun-jun was angered the most as he felt his heart was toyed with. During a team celebration dinner, Hyun-jun confronted her alone and the two embraced the passion they have for one another. Afterward, the two maintained a secret romantic relationship without the knowledge of anyone.

Hyun-jun is then sent off on a solo mission to Hungary. In Hungary, Hyun-jun accomplishes his mission and while escaping, becomes wounded. Shortly later, Hyun-jun finds out that he was betrayed by fellow agent Sa-woo. Seung-hee attempts to help Hyun-jun escape, but a car explosion separates the two and both are misled to believe that the other person are dead. Hyun-jun is then saved by an unknown voice and learns of the secret society "IRIS".

One year later, Hyun-jun returns to Korea to seek revenge. During this time, North and South Korea are set to reunify. However, the members of IRIS are intent on stopping the reunification. They attacked a local mall for hostages to blackmail both sides of the Korean government to threaten SK's president into announcing their political stand to not unite with NK. Hyun-jun became the negotiator for the president Cho Myung-ho (Lee Jung-gil) and for the hostages' release. Eventually, Sa-woo was killed. With all things hindering the reunification process gone, the peace talks resumed.

At the reunification summit, the president personally requested Hyun-jun to be at his side. Concurrently, NSS agents realized they've been duped: the presumed dead IRIS agents at the mall crisis was actually the hostages. The true IRIS agents escaped and infiltrated the summit to kill all delegates. IRIS agents killed and replaced various security agents for a massacre. Unfortunately, it failed with Seung-hee's interference. She pretended to be an IRIS agent and used the confusion to stop them. This created mass panic as IRIS agents make their stand against all security forces. Ultimately, the SK president and NK forces survived the assault and Hyun-jun saved the day again.

In the aftermath, Hyun-jun and Seung-hee left NSS for a normal life. While Seung-hee waited at a lighthouse for Hyun-jun, he was driving up to meet her and propose. However, during the drive, Hyun-jun was shot in the head by a sniper. He dies while looking at Seung-hee at a distance away at the lighthouse, unbeknownst to her.

Cast

IRIS featured an ensemble cast split between characters of North Korean and South Korean descent. Because the series explores the tension and mentality behind the two sides of the conflict, both the North and South perspectives are shown at length. The plot focuses on the cast overcoming the manipulation they face at an international level and occasionally attempting to reconcile their differences to fight an evil greater than either side ever acknowledged, making way for scenarios in which their allegiances are stressed and put to the test.

Main
The main cast of IRIS, clockwise from top left: Lee Byung-hun, Kim Tae-hee, Jung Joon-ho, Choi Seung-hyun, Kim Seung-woo, and Kim So-yeon. The cast won numerous awards for their contributions to the series.
A soldier with the South Korean Special Forces, Hyun-jun has floated through life with little attention for the details. Possessing a photographic memory, top athletic ability, and proficiency with most firearms, he has little difficulty distinguishing himself as a member of the NSS. Assuming the code name "TK1" during operations, he is frequently paired with his brother and colleague Jin Sa-woo.
Ranked as a "Team Leader" within the NSS, Seung-hee is an expert profiler that assisted the second-in-command, Park Sang-hyun, with recruiting Kim Hyun-jun and, more directly, Jin Sa-woo. Admired for her beauty and perspicacity, Seung-hee is universally liked within the organization and remains very close with fellow NSS member Yang Jung-in.
A friend that has grown up alongside Hyun-jun, Sa-woo is the more level-headed and responsible of the two. As members of the Special Forces, they often found themselves in fierce competitions, and after joining the NSS, find themselves competing for the affection of Choi Seung-hee. In accordance with Hyun-jun's code name, he becomes known as "TK2".
A seasoned and steadfast supporter of the WPK, Park Cheol-young is the head of the North Korean security team responsible for escorting and protecting heads of state on diplomatic missions. He first encounters Kim Hyun-jun as they are caught in a political impasse in Hungary—one that leaves Park and his entire team at the mercy of their superiors should they not resolve the situation quickly in their favor.
Despite being one of very few females to achieve her status, Kim Seon-hwa has gained the trust and acknowledgment of her colleagues in the North Korean security forces. As a subordinate of Park Cheol-young and a ranking officer in his security outfit, she has great admiration for her superior and harbors deep resentment for the South. She falls in love with Hyun-jun, who showed her mercy.
  • T.O.P. as Vick
A mysterious assassin working for an even more mysterious organization, Vick answers to a man known only as "Mr. Black." Though of apparent Korean descent, his actual origins are unknown and he communicates fluently in both English and Korean. Often, he is responsible for eliminating political targets and retrieving, as well as destroying, sensitive information at the behest of his superiors.

Supporting

National Security Service (NSS)

The NSS is headed by Baek San (Kim Yeong-cheol), its standing deputy director only in title and the man responsible for the recruiting of Hyun-jun and Sa-woo. The named director of the NSS comes and goes with each change of power in the presidency, but it is the deputy director that oversees the organization. Baek San's motivations for many of his actions are mysterious, occasionally outright inconsistent with that of the general national interests. Due to the very existence of the organization being kept secret, he enjoys a state of personal protection that few others do.

While Baek San oversees the organization, the acting chief director, Park Sang-hyun (Yoon Je-moon), is the general supervisor and runs the daily operations of the NSS. He fabricated the understanding but also intransigent where failures are concerned, often personally dealing with each and every agent. For field assignments, he watches over and commands all missions set domestically.

Many of the NSS agents have close personal ties to one another, and the floor supervisor and head of security resources, Yang Jung-in (Kim Hye-jin), is no exception. She is often viewed as a dependable and accommodating authority figure and remains a very close friend to colleague Choi Seung-Hee.

Being the South's first line of defense against foreign threats, the NSS houses technology unavailable to their sister intelligence agencies. The two primary tech agents, Yang Mi-jung (Juni) and Hwang Tae-sung (Na Yoon), are often responsible for ensuring field agents have all that is required to see their missions through. Mi-jung does not meet the expected conventions of someone involved in national intelligence. Given that her sense of fashion and general interests are more contemporary than that of her associates, she often stands out from the others, but her status as the top hacker in Korea has made her irreplaceable. Still, Tae-sung remains the more perdurable of the two and is often instrumental in the success of a number of operations.

The forensics and scientific investigations section is headed by Oh Hyun-ku (Yoon Joo-sang), an eccentric that is the eldest of the general staff. He often exhibits a fatherly relationship with many of the agents, including Mi-jung and Seung-hee.

The Blue House

Due to the overarching plot of the series involving the disputes inherent to the Korean Peninsula and the intricacies of the foreign relations between the North and South, the Blue House and its primary staff are featured prominently throughout. The candidate that wins the election and assumes office is eventual President of South Korea Cho Myung-ho (Lee Jung-gil). His administration begins with his undertaking the grand task of forwarding talks of reunification between the North and South after witnessing the grim reality that is the struggle between the two nations. With strong ambitions, he leads diplomatic outreaches with the North that no one expected of a candidate so early in his term.

President Cho's chief advisor and head of his cabinet is Jung Jyun-jun (Jung Han-yong), and is one of the few around him that the president feels he can trust with any information, no matter how sensitive it may be. Later in the series, he becomes the only reliable lifeline the president has against the influence of sabotage originating inside and outside the Blue House.

The secretary to the president, Hong Soo-jin (Myung Ji-yun), tends to find herself at odds with the chief advisor. She rarely speaks her mind freely and appears to have allegiances beyond those that are already apparent.

Others

Given the wide range of countries the characters find themselves in throughout the story, a number of recurring characters arise from countries outside of Korea.

Early in the series, Hyun-jun and Seung-hee encounter a young Japanese schoolgirl while in Akita by the name of Yuki (Karen Miyama). Her family operates one of the tourist traps nearby, and she exhibits affection for Hyun-jun and attempts to find herself in his company as much as possible. Later, it is Hyun-jun that needs her, as Yuki and her family help him when he needs them most.

When Hyun-jun finds himself tangled in a political web while in Japan, he crosses paths with Eriko Sato (Yoo Min). A Japanese woman with the country's national intelligence agency, Sato is charged with investigating foreign threats that find themselves on Japanese soil.

Production

Development

Based on the general concept of the 1999 film Shiri,[4] Iris was first revealed in 2008 by its production company Taewon Entertainment and attracted wide attention due to its record budget and star power.[5][6][7] Kang Je-gyu, the director of Shiri, was involved with initially developing the project for television,[8] which would later be directed by Kim Kyu-tae and Yang Yun-ho.

Written by Kim Hyun-jun, Jo Gyu-won, and Kim Jae-un,[9] the series began pre-production without the backing of a Korean broadcaster in an attempt to spark a bidding war amongst potential suitors.[8]

On April 18, 2008, it was announced that Lee Byung-hun had been cast in the lead role.[8] It was to be Lee's first television role since 2003 after a five-year hiatus to focus on film roles, including the 2009 film G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, which had been filming at the time of the announcement.[10] Lee's salary was the third highest in the history of Korean television dramas, amounting to ₩100 million ($90,000 USD) per episode and was six times greater than that of the Korean industry guideline. His salary was inclusive of an overhead deal of ₩1.5 billion won (US$1.35 million) in guarantees due to his namesake drawing potential investors, particularly in Japan, and opportunities in other overseas markets.[11][12]

The production company announced on June 24 that Big Bang member T.O.P would be starring alongside Lee as an assassin and the recurring antagonist of the series.[13] It was announced on October 10 that Kim Tae-hee, known for her roles in Forbidden Love and Stairway to Heaven, had been cast as the female lead in the series. Like Lee, she had not worked in television for several years and had been working in film prior to accepting the role.[14]

Pre-production continued on Iris as it drew increasing attention not only in Korea but also in Japan due to Lee's involvement.[15] Kim Seung-woo and Jung Joon-ho were also cast as the head of the North Korean security team and Kim Hyun-jun's lifelong friend, respectively.[16]

The large budget and notable talent for the project made it difficult for the production company to secure directors willing to take on the series, causing 2009 to begin with a brief stir of media attention.[17] Shortly thereafter, Taewon announced that the search was over and Kim Kyu-tae and Yang Yun-ho would be helming the series.[18] Simultaneously, KBS was announced as the South Korean broadcaster. Later in the month, on February 19, Kim So-yeon was cast as a North Korean agent.[19]

Filming and promotion

The first filmed scenes of Iris were shot in Akita, Japan on March 10, 2009.[20] Lee Byung-hun's popularity in Japan caused the series and its production to gain immediate notability in the country.[21] Lee's filming was often shadowed by fans, beginning with thousands greeting him at Akita Airport upon his arrival.[20] Due to several pivotal moments of the series being filmed in the prefecture, Akita soon experienced a surge of Korean tourists going on tours tailored to followers of the show.[22][23][24] The crew went on to shoot in Japan for three weeks and left the country on March 28.[25]

With its unprecedented budget, IRIS was able to pioneer several firsts for Korean television dramas, particularly with its large scale action sequences. Throughout filming, the actors were often responsible for filming their own stunts and action sequences, including Lee Byung-hun jumping from the 130 meter-tall Tamagawa Dam in Semboku, Akita.[26][27] To prepare for the demanding physical requirements of the series, several members of the primary cast, including Kim Tae-hee, underwent special training to lend authenticity to the action.[26] During a break in filming, Lee Byung-hun appeared at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival in support of the production in May.[28] A press conference was also held later in the month with the entire finalized cast of the series.[26]

The following international shoot commence on June 9 in Hungary. Shot in and around Budapest and other locales, the filming lasted for one month before the cast and crew returned to Korea.[29] In late July, it was announced that IRIS would air on Wednesdays and Thursdays on KBS2, for premiere on October 14.[30] Filming continued throughout the year and, on October 5, a production press conference was held for the Korean and world media just over a week prior to the series premiere.[31]

Filming continue after the premiere of the series. On November 29, 2009, the filming crew took over a section of Sejong-ro at Gwanghwamun Plaza, Seoul for twelve hours to film lengthy gunfight scenes.[32] The five lanes along the plaza in front of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts were closed to traffic for filming from 07:00 to 19:00. This marks the first time the Seoul Metropolitan Government has granted permission to blocked traffic along the Plaza for filming and it is part of Government's plans to promote the city's major tourist attractions.[33][34]

Media
IRIS Original Soundtrack
Soundtrack album by
Yi Dong-jun
& Choe Seong-gown
ReleasedNovember 13, 2009
GenreSoundtrack
Length52:48
LabelMnet Media

Music

The IRIS original soundtrack was released as a 16-track album on November 13, 2009, with music composed by Yi Dong-jun and Choe Seong-gwon. The soundtrack contained a number of the vocal themes used in the series, including those by Baek Ji-young, Shin Seung-hun, and Big Bang.[35][36]

On December 24, a limited edition was released as a two-disc set with a 76-page photobook. The first disc contained ten vocal themes, four of which were used in the second half of the series and not included on the original release. The second disc collected fifteen instrumentals used as backdrops during the show's run, including four not on the previous collection.[37]

In the week preceding the premiere of Iris on Japanese television, it was announced that Big Bang would be contributing an all-new ballad to be inserted into the TBS airings. Titled "Tell Me Goodbye," the song was released as a single in the country on June 9, 2010,[38] and was available in both a CD and a CD & DVD edition.[39]

Coinciding with the initial broadcast of the series in Japan, a deluxe soundtrack box-set was released on May 26, 2010 by Being Inc.[40] In addition to featuring thirteen vocal themes and nineteen instrumentals on two discs, the release includes a 72-page photobook adapted from the previous Korean release and a DVD of music videos used to promote the series. Those featured were "Hallelujah" by Big Bang, "Don't Forget" by Baek Ji-young, and "Love of Iris" by Shin Seung-hun.[39]

Korean standard edition track listing
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."Don't Forget (잊지말아요)"Choi Gab-wonKim Do-hun, Lee Hyun-seungBaek Ji-young4:05
2."Love of Iris"Yang Jae-seonShin Seung-hun, Lee Hyun-seungShin Seung-hun3:47
3."Dreaming Dream (꿈을 꾸다)"Lee Hyun-seung,
Kim Tae-woo		Lee Hyun-seungKim Tae-woo4:22
4."Hallelujah (할렐루야)"G-DragonTeddy, G-DragonBig Bang3:14
5."Empty"Kim Soo-jinKim Soo-jinJuni3:52
6."Main Title" Yi Dong-jun 2:26
7."Mission of Destiny" Yi Dong-jun 2:27
8."Assassination" Yi Dong-jun 3:06
9."Fight Factory" Yi Dong-jun 2:17
10."Destiny Love" Yi Dong-jun 4:01
11."Pretty Love" Yi Dong-jun 3:50
12."Sad Love" Yi Dong-jun 2:53
13."Hard Day" Yi Dong-jun 2:33
14."Midnight Run" Choe Seong-gwon 2:46
15."Bullets" Choe Seong-gwon 3:17
16."No Way Out" Choe Seong-gwon 2:20
Korean limited edition track listing (Disc 1)
No.TitleArtistLength
1."Dreaming Dream (꿈을 꾸다)"Kim Tae-woo4:22
2."Don't Forget (잊지 말아요)"Baek Ji-young4:05
3."Can I Love (사랑하면 안되나요)"Seo In-young3:41
4."Hallelujah (할렐루야)"Big Bang3:14
5."Love Of Iris"Shin Seung-hun3:49
6."True Love... (사랑 참...)"December3:31
7."How Do I Hold Back the Tears (어떻게 눈물 참는지)"Lee Jung-hyun4:36
8."Good for Everybody (너라서 좋았다)"Ji-hoon3:47
9."Empty"Juni3:52
10."Doraolsun Eomnayo (돌아올순 없나요)"December3:44
Korean limited edition track listing (Disc 2)
No.TitleMusicLength
1."Main Title"Yi Dong-jun2:26
2."Mission of Destiny"Yi Dong-jun2:27
3."Assassination"Yi Dong-jun3:06
4."Fight Factory"Yi Dong-jun2:17
5."Destiny Love"Yi Dong-jun4:01
6."Pretty Love"Yi Dong-jun3:50
7."Sad Love"Yi Dong-jun2:53
8."Sad Love (Guitar Version)"Yi Dong-jun2:10
9."Chase 140"Yi Dong-jun1:42
10."Chase 150"Yi Dong-jun2:07
11."Tension 80-2"Yi Dong-jun5:08
12."Hard Day"Yi Dong-jun2:33
13."Midnight Run"Choe Seong-gwon2:46
14."Bullets"Choe Seong-gwon3:17
15."No Way Out"Choe Seong-gwon2:20
Japanese deluxe box-set edition (Disc 1)
No.TitleArtistLength
1."Stay"Lee Byung-hun3:52
2."Dreaming Dream (夢を見る)"Kim Tae-woo4:22
3."Don't Forget (忘れないで)"Baek Ji-young4:05
4."Can I Love (愛してはいけませんか)"Seo In-young3:41
5."Hallelujah (ハレルヤ)"Big Bang3:14
6."Love of Iris"Shin Seung-hun3:47
7."True Love... (愛って本当に...)"December3:31
8."How Do I Hold Back the Tears (どうやって涙をこらえるのか)"Lee Jung-hyun4:36
9."Good for Everybody (君でよかった)"Ji-hoon3:47
10."Empty"Juni3:52
11."Doraolsun Eomnayo (戻れないでしょうか)"December3:44
12."Endless Road (Japanese Version)"Lee Byung-hun4:18
13."Endless Road (Korean Version)"Lee Byung-hun4:15
Japanese deluxe box-set edition (Disc 2)
No.TitleMusicLength
1."Main Title"Yi Dong-jun2:26
2."Mission of Destiny"Yi Dong-jun2:27
3."Assassination"Yi Dong-jun3:06
4."Fight Factory"Yi Dong-jun2:17
5."Destiny Love"Yi Dong-jun4:01
6."Pretty Love"Yi Dong-jun3:50
7."Sad Love"Yi Dong-jun2:53
8."Sad Love (Piano Version)"Yi Dong-jun2:11
9."First Love"Yi Dong-jun2:18
10."Chase 140"Yi Dong-jun1:42
11."Chase 150"Yi Dong-jun2:07
12."Tension 80"Yi Dong-jun0:53
13."Tension 80-2"Yi Dong-jun5:08
14."Mystery 70"Yi Dong-jun2:02
15."Big"Yi Dong-jun3:44
16."Hard Day"Yi Dong-jun2:33
17."Midnight Run"Choe Seong-gwon2:46
18."Bullets"Choe Seong-gwon3:17
19."No Way Out"Choe Seong-gwon2:20

Novelization and graphic novel

A two-volume novelization was published prior to and during the show's initial run. Written by Chae Woo-do, the first volume was published on October 12, 2009, two days prior to the show's premiere on KBS.[41] The second volume was published exactly one month later on November 12,[42] and, unlike its predecessor, did not follow the eventual plot of the television series.[43][44][45]

In July 2010, it was confirmed that an IRIS graphic novel was in the works for a Fall 2011 release. Reports of the project, which features the likenesses of Lee Byung-hun and Kim Tae-hee, date back to August 2009, prior to the series airing.[46] Launching first in Japan and later in Korea, the graphic novel retained the relationship between the male and female leads but deviates from the scenarios featured in the original story.[47]

Home video

Iris was released on Region 3 DVD in South Korea on February 12, 2010 in an 8-disc set, complete with English subtitles. The first pressing included a 50-page photobook with previously unpublished photographs from the production of the series.[48][49]

Earlier, on November 27, 2009, a 100-minute making-of documentary titled IRIS Navigate DVD was released for the Japanese market, documenting the filming of the series in Hungary, Japan, and Korea.[50]

The full series is set to be released over two uncut DVD box-sets in Japan. The first was announced for a July 2, 2010 release and retails for 19,950 yen (US$212), with the second following on September 15. On August 3, 2010, the first volume was released on Blu-ray with the second set to follow on October 20, both priced at 25,200 yen (US$268). The first pressings included replica NSS ID cards, a postcard set, a bonus disc, and a 24-page data booklet.[39][51]

In addition, two behind-the-scenes production diary box-sets began to be issued in Japan beginning June 16, 2010. The first follows the cast's filming in Akita and Hungary while the second tracks their work in Korea and was released September 15.[39][51]

Reception

IRIS premiered on October 14, 2009 to strong ratings and went on to become one of the most critically and commercially successful series of the year, earning numerous awards for its actors and production.[52][53]

The series ended its initial run on December 17, 2009. KBS announced that an IRIS special would be aired the following week, on December 22. The special contained extensive behind-the-scenes footage from the filming in Hungary, Japan, and Korea, along with numerous interviews with the cast and crew.[54]

On January 28, 2010, it was reported that the distribution rights for the Japanese market were purchased by TBS for a record 400 million yen (US$4.2 million).[55] The station began airing the Japanese-dubbed version during primetime—a first for a South Korean-produced drama series in the country—on April 21, 2010 with numerous acting talents providing the voiceovers, including Tatsuya Fujiwara as Kim Hyun-jun.[56] The two-hour premiere drew TBS's highest ratings for the day and doubled the station's usual average for the timeslot. The airing had been preceded by a promotional blitz with stars Lee Byung-hun and Kim Tae-hee appearing on numerous Japanese programs, in addition to billboards and posters being placed throughout Tokyo.[57][58][59]

Publicity for IRIS in Japan was strong from its premiere and beyond. In late May 2010, a set of two concert events billed as dramatic live stage shows drew sold-out crowds that amounted to over 60,000 attendees. The concerts were a combination of live interviews with much of the primary cast, re-enactments of pivotal scenes from the series, and performances by the musical acts featured in its soundtrack.[60] Broadcaster TBS revealed in June 2010 that airings of the series on its satellite offerings had broken records daily, doubling the ratings of its previous programs. Such was the influence of the series that flights between Seoul and Akita that had been nearing decommission were revitalized as a result of mounting tourist interest. Due to the commerce generated for Akita prefecture as a result of Iris having filmed there, local governments in Japan began competing for interest from producers in order to solicit tourists with future installments of the series.[61]

A producer with Taewon Entertainment, the production company behind Iris, was quoted on May 6, 2010 as saying they were in negotiations toward exporting the series to American television for broadcast on a major network. The episode count would be reduced from the original twenty down to twelve and, should the deal go through, would mark the first time a South Korean-produced drama program was aired on a major television network in the United States.[62]

Ratings
Episode # Original broadcast date Average audience share
TNmS Ratings[63] AGB Nielsen[64]
Nationwide Seoul National Capital Area Nationwide Seoul National Capital Area
1 14 October 2009 24.5% 25.4% 20.3% 21.3%
2 15 October 2009 25.3% 26.1% 23.0% 24.7%
3 21 October 2009 27.9% 29.3% 25.9% 27.5%
4 22 October 2009 26.2% 27.2% 23.8% 25.2%
5 28 October 2009 29.6% 30.3% 26.7% 28.1%
6 29 October 2009 28.9% 29.8% 27.7% 29.0%
7 4 November 2009 30.7% 31.1% 27.8% 27.9%
8 5 November 2009 30.9% 31.9% 27.1% 27.4%
9 11 November 2009 32.7% 33.3% 28.2% 28.9%
10 12 November 2009 33.7% 34.5% 28.6% 29.7%
11 18 November 2009 34.1% 34.9% 29.3% 30.1%
12 19 November 2009 31.3% 32.3% 28.0% 29.9%
13 25 November 2009 32.0% 32.5% 29.6% 31.0%
14 26 November 2009 32.5% 33.4% 27.4% 27.7%
15 2 December 2009 34.7% 35.5% 30.6% 32.5%
16 3 December 2009 35.7% 36.5% 31.3% 32.8%
17 9 December 2009 37.2% 39.1% 32.8% 34.0%
18 10 December 2009 35.7% 37.8% 32.2% 32.9%
19 16 December 2009 35.0% 36.4% 31.6% 33.2%
20 17 December 2009 39.9% 41.8% 35.5% 37.3%
Average viewership 31.9% 33.0% 28.4% 29.6%
Special 23 December 2009 12.0% 12.8% 10.0% 10.5%

Awards and nominations
Year Award Category Recipient Result
2009
KBS Drama Awards
 Grand Prize (Daesang) Lee Byung-hun Won
Top Excellence Award, Actor Nominated
Kim Seung-woo Nominated
Top Excellence Award, Actress Kim Tae-hee Nominated
Excellence Award, Actor in a Mid-length Drama Jung Joon-ho Won
Kim Seung-woo Won
Lee Byung-hun Nominated
Excellence Award, Actress in a Mid-length Drama Kim Tae-hee Won
Kim So-yeon Nominated
Best Supporting Actor Yoon Joo-sang Won
Best New Actor T.O.P Nominated
Netizen Award, Actor Lee Byung-hun Won
Popularity Award, Actress Kim So-yeon Won
Best Couple Award Lee Byung-hun and Kim Tae-hee Won
2010
46th Baeksang Arts Awards
 Best Drama IRIS Won
Best Director (Television) Yang Yun-ho and Kim Kyu-tae Nominated
Best Actor (Television) Lee Byung-hun Won
Best Actress (Television) Kim Tae-hee Nominated
Kim So-yeon Nominated
3rd Korea Drama Awards
 Best Drama IRIS Nominated
Best Production Director in a Miniseries Kim Kyu-tae Won
Best Actor Lee Byung-hun Nominated
Best Actress Kim Tae-hee Nominated
Best Producer Chung Tae-won Won
5th Seoul International Drama Awards
 Outstanding Korean Actor Lee Byung-hun Won

Spin-off
Main article: Athena: Goddess of War

A spin-off series to begin filming in 2010 and premiered later in the same year was announced following the success of Iris. Starring Jung Woo-sung, Cha Seung-won, Soo Ae, Choi Si-won and Lee Ji-ah, the series Athena: Goddess of War was filmed on location in a number of overseas locations, including Italy, New Zealand, Japan, and the United States.[2][65][66][67] Production head of Taewon Entertainment, Chung Tae-won, confirmed in an interview on May 31, 2010 that Iris and Athena would be set in the same universe, allowing for crossovers between characters of the two franchises.[2] Filming on Athena was projected to last over five months, with production commencing in Korea in June before moving to Italy in July.[68] The series premiered December 13, 2010 on SBS and saw its finale on February 21, 2011.[69][70] Shortly before the series ended, the head of production was quoted as expressing interest in producing sequels to continue Athena and further connect it to other entries in the franchise.[71]

Sequel
Main article: Iris II: New Generation

A true sequel series, tentatively titled IRIS 2, was originally announced for October 2011. At the time of announcement, pre-production was underway and reports estimated filming on the sequel was expected to commence in March 2011.[72] Representatives from Taewon Productions stated in April 2010 that they expected original stars Lee Byung-hun, Kim Tae-hee, and Kim So-yeon to be cast in the sequel.[73] Later, just prior to the finale of Athena being broadcast, lead producer Chung Tae-won confirmed that he anticipated IRIS 2 to be in production in time for a fall 2012 premiere. Concurrently, it was reported that the proposed series remained in pre-production with the scriptwriters in the process of crafting the story. Chung also revealed that no casting decisions had been made and that the writing staff were preparing two potential versions of the series as a result—one featuring the full original cast and another that would see the return of only a select few.[71] The leads of the original series, Lee Byung-hun and Kim Tae-hee, were officially confirmed to ultimately not be reprising their roles for the sequel on August 24, 2012.[74]

On September 13, 2012, it was announced that veteran film and television actor Jang Hyuk had been offered the lead in IRIS 2.[75] Actress Lee Da-hae was confirmed on September 18 as being eyed for the female lead in the series, which would reunite her with co-star Jang Hyuk from their work on 2010s award-winning historical series Chuno.[76] In addition to confirming the two leads, on September 19, several additions were made to the cast, with Kim Seung-woo, Kim Min-jong, Kim Yeong-cheol, Im Soo-hyang, and Oh Yeon-soo all being confirmed for the series. Kim Seung-woo has signed on to reprise his role of North Korean agent Park Cheol-young previously featured in Iris and Athena, while Kim Min-jong is set to return as defector Kim Gi-soo from Athena and Kim Yeong-cheol is to come back as the villain from the original series, Baek San.[77] Several others, including Kang Ji-young from South Korean pop group Kara, Yoon Doo-joon of boy band B2ST, and Lee Joon from MBLAQ were all also discussed for roles,[78] along with American actor Daniel Henney.[79]

Iris 2 premiered on February 13, 2013.

Feature film

IRIS: The Movie is a feature-length edit of the 20-episode TV series for cinemas. While not featuring a differing story, additional scenes were shot that expanded upon the original storyline, including an all-new extended ending. The film first saw its premiere at the 34th Hong Kong International Film Festival and was later screened for potential international buyers at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival with a runtime of 123 minutes.[80][81] The movie was released via content distribution company Cine21 in Korea on November 22, 2010, and was announced to be launching on IPTV, cable networks, and 100 online websites.[82] The title's distributors include Kadokawa Pictures in Japan, I-cable Entertainment in Hong Kong, and Clover Films in Singapore.[83]

The movie saw its theatrical premiere in Japan on January 8, 2011 under the title IRIS: The Last.[84]

International broadcast
Country Network Title
 Japan Tokyo Broadcasting System IRIS-アイリス-
 Hong Kong TVB Drama
TVB HD Jade		 Iris
 Hong Kong Xing Kong Iris
 Taiwan ETTV Iris
 Poland Tele 5 Irys
 Bulgaria bTV Ирис
 Botswana Botswana TV "IRIS"
India Puthuyugam TV Iris ஐரிஸ்
 Brazil Globosat IRIS- Organização Secreta Coreana
 Thailand Channel 7
Mono 29
Mono Plus		 IRIS นักฆ่า / ล่า / หัวใจเธอ
 Philippines GMA Network IRIS
 Vietnam HTV2 Mật danh Iris (05/05/2011)
gollark: Release is 3.2MB.
gollark: I also, unfathomably, cannot seem to make `scanp` work right.
gollark: Er, debug.
gollark: I don't actually know why.
gollark: Fascinating, my nim program has reached four (4) MB.

See also

References
  1. Hicap, Jonathan M. (2010-01-02). "'G.I. Joe' star Lee Byung-hun wins big in KBS Drama Awards". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved 2010-04-24.
  2. Una, Beck (2010-05-31). "Interview: Producer Chung Tae-won - Part 1". 10Asia. Archived from the original on 2010-06-09. Retrieved 2010-06-03.
  3. 이재환 (2009-12-11). "'아이리스' 35.7% 12회연속 30%대, 최승희도 IRIS?". Newsen (in Korean). Retrieved 2010-04-21.
  4. Han, Sang-hee (2008-08-07). "Movie-Based Dramas to Fill TV Screens". The Korea Times. Retrieved 2010-04-21.
  5. 조민선 (2009-12-18). "투데이 200억 TV형 블록버스터 '한드' 새 지평 열다". HeraldBiz (in Korean). Retrieved 2010-04-25.
  6. 조민선 (2009-10-15). "KBS '아이리스' 첫날 시청률 24.5%". Kuki News (in Korean). Retrieved 2010-04-25.
  7. '아이리스' 1회 24.5%시청률…대작의 면모 보여줘. bntnews (in Korean). 2009-10-15. Retrieved 2010-04-25.
  8. Han, Sun-hee (2008-04-17). "Lee Byung-hun to star in 'IRIS'". Variety. Retrieved 2010-04-21.
  9. 김지윤 (2009-10-22). 이병헌-김태희 일본 밀월여행 ‘베드신’에 시청자 관심폭발(아이리스). Newsen (in Korean). Retrieved 2010-04-25.
  10. "G.I. Joe Starts Filming Today". Superhero Hype. 2008-02-11. Retrieved 2010-04-21.
  11. "Lee's High Salary". The Korea Times. 2009-11-12. Retrieved 2010-04-22.
  12. "Lee Byung-hun's Acting Fee Dwarfs Industry Guideline". The Chosun Ilbo. 2009-11-12. Retrieved 2010-04-22.
  13. 김용호기자 (2008-06-24). ‘빅뱅’ 탑, 이병헌을 죽여라. Daum (in Korean). Retrieved 2010-04-21.
  14. 김태희, 이병헌 연인으로 4년 만에 안방복귀. News Open World (in Korean). 2008-10-10. Retrieved 2010-04-21.
  15. 김수진 (2008-10-10). 이병헌, '아이리스' 출격 돌입. Star News (in Korean). Retrieved 2010-04-21.
  16. 정준호, 김태희 놓고 이병헌과 갈등. Daum (in Korean). 2009-02-04. Retrieved 2010-04-21.
  17. 이병헌-김태희 "어떡해" 속앓이 이유는…. Hankooki (in Korean). 2009-02-05. Retrieved 2010-04-21.
  18. 가슴앓이 끝 이병헌 "촬영날만 기다려". Hankooki (in Korean). 2009-02-09. Retrieved 2010-04-21.
  19. "Actress Kim So-yeon to Join 'Iris' as Sexy Agent". KBS Global. 2009-02-19. Archived from the original on 2012-07-12. Retrieved 2010-04-21.
  20. 이병헌 보자! 日 중소도시 공항 마비. Newsen (in Korean). 2009-03-11. Retrieved 2010-04-21.
  21. 정운섭 (2009-03-26). [백상예술대상] 꽃샘 추위도 녹인 시상식 열기. ISPlus (in Korean). Retrieved 2010-04-21.
  22. Inoue, Chihiro (2009-04-13). "Spy drama pulls S.Koreans to Akita". The Japan Times. Retrieved 2010-04-26.
  23. 이해리 (2009-02-04). 아리가또∼ 아이리스. Donga (in Korean). Retrieved 2010-04-21.
  24. "Akita sees huge increase in Korean tourists". Japan Probe. 2010-01-16. Archived from the original on 2010-03-22. Retrieved 2010-04-23.
  25. イ・ビョンホンさんが帰国　女性ファンが見送りに殺到. 47News (in Japanese). 2009-03-28. Archived from the original on 2009-03-31. Retrieved 2010-04-21.
  26. Han, Sang-hee (2009-05-24). "'Iris' to Bring Spy Story to Small Screen". The Korea Times. Retrieved 2010-04-21.
  27. 김미현. '아이리스'로 뜬 곳, 아키타 여행상품 전문가 꼼꼼해설. A380 (in Korean). Archived from the original on 2011-07-22. Retrieved 2009-05-02.
  28. Frater, Patrick (2009-05-13). "Lee Byung-hun hops from 'G.I. Joe' to 'Iris'". FineCut. Archived from the original on 2011-07-22. Retrieved 2010-11-07.
  29. 이병헌, 10일 헝가리行..7월 美 프로모션 시작. Star News (in Korean). 2009-06-09. Retrieved 2010-04-21.
  30. 홍정원 (2009-07-23). "[단독] 대작 '아이리스' 10월14일 KBS 방송 확정". Star News (in Korean). Retrieved 2010-04-21.
  31. Jin, Yeong-joo (2009-10-09). "'Iris' Lifts Veil with Production Conference". KBS Global. Archived from the original on 2012-07-22. Retrieved 2010-04-21.
  32. [포토]'아이리스' 이병헌, '부상없이 스턴트 연기 끝'. Chosun (in Korean). 2009-11-29. Retrieved 2010-09-21.
  33. Kim Mi-ju; Kim Gyeong-jin (28 November 2009). "Spy drama shoots in central Seoul". Joongang daily. Archived from the original on 11 April 2013. Retrieved 4 March 2013.
  34. Kim, Hannah (3 December 2009). "Iris will be back for a second season, sans Lee Byung-hun". Joongang Daily. Archived from the original on 11 April 2013. Retrieved 4 March 2013.
  35. "아이리스(Iris) O.S.T". Daum (in Korean). Archived from the original on 2009-12-06. Retrieved 2010-04-23.
  36. "아이리스 ost". ManiaDB (in Korean). Archived from the original on 2011-01-08. Retrieved 2010-04-23.
  37. "IRIS OST Special (2CD) (KBS TV Drama)". YesAsia. Retrieved 2010-04-23.
  38. Han, Sang-hee (2009-04-19). "Big Bang to Sing Theme Song for IRIS". The Korea Times. Retrieved 2010-04-30.
  39. "SHINSEIDO SHOPPING SITE - IRIS -アイリス". Shinseido Shopping Site (in Japanese). 2010-04-28. Archived from the original on 2010-04-24. Retrieved 2010-04-30.
  40. "IRIS Original Soundtrack Perfect Box [2CD+DVD][Import]". CDJapan. 2010-05-26. Retrieved 2012-03-07.
  41. "Naver: 아이리스 1". Naver Books (in Korean). Retrieved 2010-04-23.
  42. "Naver: 아이리스 2". Naver Books (in Korean). Archived from the original on 2012-07-07. Retrieved 2010-04-23.
  43. 소설 ‘아이리스’ 발간, 김태희-이병헌 ‘해피엔딩’ 결말 공개?. Yahoo News Korea (in Korean). 2009-11-28. Retrieved 2010-04-23.
  44. 아이리스 결말, 원작 소설은 어떨까?. TVExciting (in Korean). 2009-12-04. Archived from the original on 2011-07-17. Retrieved 2010-04-23.
  45. 최승희 정체 미스테리, 아이리스 결말에 반전? 혹, 대통령이 아이리스?. TVExciting (in Korean). Retrieved 2010-04-23.
  46. 이현세 작가 만화로 탄생. Emazine (in Korean). 2009-08-21. Retrieved 2010-08-05.
  47. Chung, Ah-young (2010-07-30). "Graphic novel emerges as comics for adults". The Korea Times. Retrieved 2010-08-05.
  48. "<아이리스> (IRIS) 프리미엄 DVD 발매!". ESportsI (in Korean). 2009-02-01. Archived from the original on 2011-02-02. Retrieved 2010-04-21.
  49. "Iris (DVD) (8-Disc) (English Subtitled) (KBS TV Drama) (Premium Limited Edition) (Korea Version)". YesAsia. Retrieved 2010-04-21.
  50. "アイリスナビゲートDVD 発売決定!". Lee Byung Hun: Japan Official Fanclub (in Japanese). 2009-10-23. Retrieved 2010-04-21.
  51. "TBS「IRIS - アイリス」 お知らせ". TBS (in Japanese). 2010-04-28. Retrieved 2010-04-30.
  52. "이병헌, 'KBS 연기대상' 3관왕 차지하며 저력 과시!". ArtsNews (in Korean). 2010-01-01. Archived from the original on 2010-05-26. Retrieved 2010-04-21.
  53. "'KBS 연기대상' 이병헌 3관왕-'아이리스' 7개 부문 석권". Sports Chosun (in Korean). 2010-01-01. Retrieved 2010-11-07.
  54. 조우영 (2009-12-22). "'아이리스' 스페셜, NG컷-미공개영상 전격 공개". TV Report (in Korean). Archived from the original on 2010-02-26. Retrieved 2010-04-21.
  55. 채현주 (2010-04-03). "'아이리스', TBS 통해 3월 초 일본 전역 방영". Net to News (in Korean). Archived from the original on 2011-07-22. Retrieved 2010-04-30.
  56. '아이리스' 이병헌 목소리, '데스노트' 주인공이 더빙. CNB News (in Korean). 2010-04-03. Retrieved 2010-04-21.
  57. Im, Da-ham (2010-04-30). ""IRIS" starts melting Japanese viewers' hearts". 10Asia. Archived from the original on 2010-05-03. Retrieved 2010-04-30.
  58. 홍정원 (2009-04-23). 이병헌, 아침저녁 日열도 공략..‘아이리스’ 번화가 점령. Newsen (in Korean). Retrieved 2010-04-30.
  59. Kim, Lynn (2009-04-22). "Lee Byung-hun promotes "IRIS" in Japan". 10Asia. Archived from the original on 2010-04-27. Retrieved 2010-04-30.
  60. 조광형 (2010-05-29). 이병헌 '링갤 투혼' 불사 "역시 한류스타". New Daily (in Korean). Archived from the original on 2012-09-03. Retrieved 2010-06-13.
  61. "Drama 'IRIS' To Create New Hallyu Boom in Japan". KBS Global. 2010-06-11. Archived from the original on 2012-07-09. Retrieved 2010-06-13.
  62. Kwon, Mee-yoo (2010-05-06). "Seoul launches 'Iris' tour project". The Korea Times. Retrieved 2010-05-07.
  63. "TNMS Daily Ratings: this links to current day-select the date from drop down menu". TNMS Ratings (in Korean). Archived from the original on 2013-11-28. Retrieved 2012-10-31.
  64. "AGB Daily Ratings: this links to current day-select the date from drop down menu". AGB Nielsen Media Research (in Korean). Archived from the original on 2013-12-26. Retrieved 2012-10-31.
  65. 남안우 (2010-03-03). 정우성·차승원, 드라마 ‘아이리스2’ 주연 발탁. MyDaily (in Korean). Retrieved 2010-04-21.
  66. 수애, '아이리스' 스핀오프 '아테나' 여주인공 낙점. Osen (in Korean). 2010-04-09. Retrieved 2010-04-21.
  67. 이지아, '아이리스2' 합류…수애와 매력대결. Star News (in Korean). 2010-04-15. Retrieved 2010-04-21.
  68. Una, Beck (2010-05-31). "Interview: Producer Chung Tae-won - Part 2". 10Asia. Archived from the original on 2010-06-09. Retrieved 2010-06-03.
  69. ‘아테나’ 첫방 22.8% 쾌조 스타트. Herald Media (in Korean). 2010-12-14. Retrieved 2010-12-14.
  70. '아테나 전쟁의 여신' 마지막회 13.3%…미미한 끝. Newsis (in Korean). 2011-02-22. Retrieved 2011-03-02.
  71. 정태원 "'아이리스2' 앞서 '韓판 트로이' 방영한다". Star News (in Korean). 2011-02-14. Retrieved 2011-03-02.
  72. Kim, Lynn (2010-04-20). ""IRIS" season 2 starts pre-production". 10Asia. Archived from the original on 2010-04-23. Retrieved 2010-04-21.
  73. '아이리스2' 내년 10월 방송 "전편 출연자 협의중". Star News (in Korean). 2010-04-20. Retrieved 2010-04-21.
  74. [단독]‘아이리스2’ 이병헌-김태희 결국 출연 안하기로 확정..“1편과 다른 기획”. Newsen (in Korean). 2012-08-24. Retrieved 2012-08-24.
  75. 장혁, ‘아이리스2’ 주인공 유력…“긍정 검토 중”. Hankooki (in Korean). 2012-09-13. Retrieved 2012-09-13.
  76. 이다해 ‘아이리스2’ 출연 논의..추노 이어 장혁과 재회할까. Newsen (in Korean). 2012-09-18. Retrieved 2012-09-20.
  77. '아이리스2' 윤곽 드러났다. 장혁 이다해 등 캐스팅 마무리. Sports Seoul (in Korean). 2012-09-19. Archived from the original on 2013-02-03. Retrieved 2012-09-20.
  78. [단독] ‘아이리스2’, 강지영·윤두준·이준 출연. Naver (in Korean). 2012-09-19. Retrieved 2012-09-20.
  79. ‘아이리스2’ 제작사 측 “다니엘헤니 출연, 검토 중”. Osen (in Korean). 2012-09-18. Retrieved 2012-09-20.
  80. ‘아이리스’ 극장판, 이병헌 저격범 정체 공개. ReviewStar (in Korean). 2010-03-26. Archived from the original on 2011-07-24. Retrieved 2010-04-21.
  81. 칸리포트 극장판 '아이리스', 칸 국제영화제에서 공개. Hankooki (in Korean). 2010-05-16. Archived from the original on 2011-06-13. Retrieved 2010-05-17.
  82. Hong, Lucia (2010-11-19). "Movie version of TV series "IRIS" to be released next week". 10Asia. Archived from the original on 2011-07-23. Retrieved 2010-11-19.
  83. Frater, Patrick (2010-11-05). "Finecut signs early AFM deals". Film Business Asia. Archived from the original on 2010-11-08. Retrieved 2010-11-22.
  84. 극장판 '아이리스', 내년 1월 일본서 개봉. JTN (in Korean). 2010-11-16. Archived from the original on 2012-03-15. Retrieved 2010-11-22.

This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.