This is the promotional poster of the domestic streaming service Tving's original dystopian thriller series "Bargain." (Tving's Facebook account)
By Aisylu Akhmetzianova
The original series "Bargain" on April 19 received the award for Best Screenplay in the feature-length competition category of the sixth Cannes International Series Festival at Lumiere Grand Theater in Cannes, France.
Produced by Korea's over-the-top (OTT) streaming service Tving, "Bargain" is the first domestic drama to receive an honor from the festival.
Beating out nine other competitors in the category, "Bargain" was also nominated for Best Series and Best Music and two of its cast members received nominations for Best Performance.
"This work is based on a very unique concept so it's an honor to be recognized and invited," series director Jeon Woo-sung said. "Thank you so much for giving me this award."
Starring Jin Sun-kyu and June Jong-seo, the dystopian thriller drama is set in the aftermath of an earthquake at a motel where human trafficking occurs.
Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Park Bo Gyoon on April 20 sent this message to "Bargain" director Jeon Woo-sung and writers Choi Byung-Yoon and Kwak Jae-min congratulating them on the drama's award. (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism)
Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Park Bo Gyoon on April 20 sent a message to Jeon and "Bargain" scriptwriters Choi Byung-Yoon and Kwak Jae-min to congratulate them.
"This amazing feat is the first award-winning monumental scene on the global stage for original Korean OTT content," the minister said. "I given warm applause to the entire production team and cast for this valuable result achieved through their excellent skills, determination, passion and fighting spirit."
"Because of this award, I am sure that people around the world will feel more enthusiastic and affectionate toward Korean dramas," he added. "I hope that you can create wonderful works that captures global attention with outstanding sensitivity and the spirit of challenge."
aisylu@korea.kr
