South Korean doctor's autobiography on Indian TV

A South Korean drama based on the life of legendary doctor Hur Jun, who faced many social barriers in life and overcame hardships to become a physician, will be telecast on DD Bharati from Jan 13.

The show titled "Dr. Hur Jun ki Sachi Daastan" has been dubbed in Hindi. It is an autobiographical narrative.

The cult drama, which ran successfully on South Korean TV screens in 2000, was also aired in Taiwan in 2002 and Hong Kong in 2005.

It has now been brought to India by a collaborative partnership of the Korean Cultural Centre, India and DD Bharati.

"This drama will highlight the contemporary Korean culture and provide basic information on its history. Although, diplomatic relations are 40 years old, but the cultural relationship goes back to 2,000 years," Kim Kum Pyoung, director of the Korean Cultural Centre, India, said in a statement Thursday.

This is a new initiative by DD Bharati to bring the cultures of various countries to Indian audiences.

The Indian channel is hoping to connect with various missions, embassies, cultural centres and countries to be able to take it forward.

"We hope to enhance the awareness of Indian viewers and enrich their knowledge of east Asia in general and South Korea in particular," said DD Bharati channel head Usha Bhasin.

The story of Hur Jun is extremely inspiring. He was born as an illegitimate son of a nobleman. He met a renowned physician, Eui-tae Yu, who taught him medicine. With the knowledge gained, he selflessly devoted himself to heal the sick.

It will be broadcast 7-8 p.m. Monday to Friday.