A contract has been signed with SPO, a film distribution agency in Japan, regarding the export of the melodramatic film "Once in a Summer" starring Lee Byeong-Heon and Soo-ae. The export contract worth $4 million (about 3.8 billion won) was concluded at the Film Market during the Cannes Film Festival.
According to the film production agency on May 23, "A Summer Story" has fetched a $4 million export price because hallyu star Lee is the lead, and because it is a conventional-style melodramatic film that can touch the heartstrings of Japanese fans.
Lee attracted 42,000 fans at his fan meeting held at the Tokyo Dome on May 3.
"Once in a Summer" began filming on May 8 and has now finished shooting its fourth take. Investing $4 million in the unfinished film, SPO has also imported such Korean films as "Almost Love" (2006), "My Tutor Friend" (2003), "Fighter in the Wind" (2004), and "Public Enemy" (2002).
"Once in a Summer" portrays a touching love story between a woman and a man who is looking for his first sweetheart. It will be released during the second half of this year.
The highest price of a film ever exported to Japan is $7 million for the film "April Snow" (2005) starring top hallyu star Bae Yong-joon.
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