Iris - Episode 1

IRIS starring Lee Byung Hun, Kim Tae Hee, Jung Joon Ho, Kim So Yeon, and T.O.P.

A blockbuster hit and one of the most talked-about dramas of the year, Iris premiered to stunning ratings of 24.5% and had crossed 30% ratings by its 8th episode. With a budget of 20 billion won (approaching one million U.S. dollars per episode), this explosive action-spy thriller uniquely utilized many aspects of American television and action film genres to create a high-octane, large-scale production with international flare and exotic shooting locations.

Megastar and Hallyu icon Lee Byung Hun (known to Hollywood fans as Storm Shadow from GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra) gives the performance of a lifetime as a daredevil secret agent who transforms into a driven, tormented spy on the run from powers he doesn't understand. He is ably assisted by a star-studded cast including Kim Tae Hee (Hallyu star for Love Story in Harvard and Stairway to Heaven), Jung Joon Ho (2008's hit Last Scandal), Kim So Yeon (Gourmet), and T.O.P. (mega Kpop hiphop boyband Big Bang). Succeeding in blending the tension and fast pace of American action dramas such as 24 with the romance and character depth of Korean dramas, Iris's innovative style, heavy-weight leads and big budget have enabled it to become something of a minor phenomenon (the broadcast rights have already been bought in seven other countries). It is well on its way to becoming a Kdrama classic.

Kim Hyun Joon (Lee Byung Hun) and Jin Sa Woo (Jung Joon Ho) are college roommates and best friends when they are recruited by Choi Seung Hee (Kim Tae Hee) into the top secret organization known as the NSS. Seung Hee, the agency's top profiler, had carefully chosen them as candidates, and the two quickly prove themselves as superb agents. Along the way both men fall for Seung Hee - who loves only one of them. When Hyun Joon is sent on his most dangerous and high-profile mission yet in Hungary, he finds himself set up and betrayed. Believing that everyone he cares about is either dead or a traitor, Hyun Joon goes on a quest for vengeance to find out who set him up, and discovers what the organization called IRIS is.

A powerhouse blend of action, drama, and romance, this drama is certainly not to be missed.