"IRIS" soundtrack concert attracts fans in Japan

Published on 2010/06/03 | Source

The cast of TV series "IRIS" attend its celebratory concert in Japan [Taewon Entertainment]

Korean blockbuster TV series "IRIS" recently confirmed its popularity in Japan at sold-out concerts featuring the main cast and singers who participated on the drama's soundtrack.

According to a press release by the show's producer Taewon Entertainment on Tuesday, major Japanese broadcaster TBS had organized a series of concerts titled "Dramatic Live Stage" as part of promoting the show's current prime-time airing in the country.

The concerts, held twice each at Osaka's Osaka-Jo Hall on May 26 and Tokyo's Saitama Super Arena on June 1, reportedly attracted a total of some 60,000 fans that ranged from teenagers to people in their 60s.

The wide range of fans' age set the "IRIS" event from other Hallyu events, which are usually attended by middle-aged women in their 40s and 50s.

The event featured appearances by the show's cast including Lee Byung-hun, Kim Tae-hee, Jung Joon-ho, Kim So-yeon, Kim Seung-woo and T.O.P (Choi Seung-hyun) from idol group Big Bang and performances by top Korean singers such as Shin Seung-hoon, Baik Ji-young and Kim Tae-woo who had sung on the soundtrack.

The actors even performed certain action scenes and shoot-outs during the concert, re-enacting parts of the action-filled show for the fans.

"IRIS" became a national phenomenon in Korea last year for its intense storyline, global location shoots and a star-studded cast.

The drama sparked a frenzy among viewers around the country and dominated weekly TV ratings charts during its two-month run.

"IRIS" airs in Japan every Wednesday evening at 9 p.m.

"IRIS" original soundtrack concert held in Japan [Taewon Entertainment]