‘Joseon’s Gunman‘ tops Chinese video charts

The South Korean historical drama “Joseon’s Gunman” topped the Chinese video charts for five weeks straight on Monday. 

The action-romance show became the most-watched video on daily, weekly and monthly charts of China’s video streaming site “QQ Video,” garnering about 8 million views every day.

Since the 11th episode was broadcast on July 30, the epic drama has remained at the No. 1 spot on the daily and weekly charts for the fifth consecutive week, proving its immense popularity in China.

Starring popular actor Lee Joon-ki and actress Nam Sang-mi, “Joseon’s Gunman” centers on the last swordsman of the Joseon era (1392-1910), who learns how to use a Western rifle and becomes a heroic gunman. 

The drama, first broadcast on June 25, also made a splash at home, achieving the highest ratings among Wednesday-Thursday dramas in the same time slot. Its average audience rating stands at 11 percent. 

Lee is thought to be a key contributor to the drama’s popularity as he has expanded his fandom in China since the mid-2000. He now has about 14 million fans following his Weibo page, and his fans have occasionally been spotted at recording studios. 

With only two episodes left to be aired, Lee shared his feelings about wrapping up the drama. 

“I will do my best for our audience, which has loved and supported ‘Joseon’s Gunman.’ I almost cried after reading the script for the final episode,” he said.

By Ock Hyun-ju (laeticia.ock@heraldcorp.com)