Actor Lee Jong-suk steals China’s heart

Actor Lee Jong-suk’s popularity is continuing to increase in China, attracting the attention of head hunters who are targeting the mainland.

Dubbed as one of the “Fantastic Four of Hallyu,” all of Lee’s recent shows -- “School 2013,” “I Hear Your Voice” and “Doctor Stranger” -- have been successful in Chinese-speaking countries, proving his popularity among Chinese fans. The other three are Kim Soo-hyun, Lee Min-ho and Kim Woo-bin.

To respond to his international fans, Lee Jong-suk streamed scenes from the filming of “Doctor Stranger” in Hungary on Weibo, a Chinese version of Tweeter, even before the show went on air.

Lee is a sensation in China with enthusiastic fans trying to catch Lee’s shows online. “Doctor Stranger” has hit 150 million downloads on Youku and Todou, Chinese versions of YouTube. 

Watchers are expecting the count to surpass 600 million by the time “Doctor Stranger” goes off the air, given that Lee’s previous drama series “I Hear Your Voice” scored 350 million downloads by the end of the 18 episodes.

Moreover, some passionate Chinese fans joined forces with Korean fans to support Lee during the shoot. The fans hired gourmet buffet catering for the whole staff.

Due to Lee’s very visible popularity, head hunters for local drama productions, advertisement companies, movie industries and entertainment officials are eager to cast the rising star.

According to an official in the Chinese entertainment industry, local head-hunters are eyeing the chance to approach Lee once he finishes filming for “Doctor Stranger.”