It's not news that many Hallyu artists are popular in China but a growing number of Korean entertainers are appearing in Chinese drama productions. According to a Beijing newspaper, Cheonbao, Korean actors have had as many as ten leading roles in Chinese dramas in the last two years.
Before that Korean actors only filled 20 roles in a decade.
The newspaper said that Korean stars were being recruited because they cost less than their Chinese counterparts.
"Their guarantee is cheaper than that of Chinese stars," said the newspaper article.
A Chinese actor charges around 130 million won to appear in a drama episode while Koreans charge 60 million. When Korean artists go to China they can get 30 to 40 percent more. As a result, many Korean artists are actively trying to find work in China.
Also, the paper said that despite the language difference, Chinese directors and production crews found it easier to work with Korean actors than with Chinese actors. They are used to working under less strenuous conditions and make fewer requests. A Korean star might only ask for a flight, wardrobe, a make-up team and a decent hotel, while Chinese actors ask for an entire entourage, a manager, and a van.
Netizens have commented that this situation occurs because filming conditions in Korea are so exacting. Some actors don't get paid enough. Others have to sleep in their cars when dramas film through the night.
One Korean actress who has appeared in Chinese dramas is Kim So Eum. Last year the actress, who appeared in the drama "A Thousand Kisses," starred in a Chinese web series called "Secret Angel" with H.O.T's Jang Woo Hyuk. A few years ago Lee Tae Ran starred in a Chinese drama called "Allure of the Skies." Yoon Si Yoon, who recently appeared in the drama "Flower Boys Next Door," had a role in the Chinese drama, "Happy Noodle." Lee Da Hae is also popular In China because she can speak Mandarin.
Drama stars such as Kim Jae Joong, Jang Geun Suk and Kim Hyun Joong are popular in China because they are also idol stars known for their music.
Earlier this year, Lee Min Ho won the Popular Asian Actor Award at the 12th China Fashion Awards in Suzhou. He was the only non-Chinese star to win an award at the event. As popular as he is there, so far there has been no mention of his appearing in a Chinese drama.
