It looks like Kim Jong Kook's debut as an actor on KBS drama "The Producers" is paving the way for more acting assignments. The "Running Man" cast member, who is playing the role of variety show PD Kim Hong Soon on the show, is reportedly receiving offers from Chinese producers for cameo appearances as well as supporting roles. A report also suggested that the popularity of Jong Kook in China is making drama more popular in that country.

Like Us on Facebook

Citing an unnamed source, Soompi reported that Jong Kook, 39, has been receiving offers to star in Chinese dramas. He is already popular in China because of his variety program "Running Man," and it looks like "The Producers" has given him the right platform to showcase his acting skills.

In addition to Kim Soo Hyun, "The Producers" is also benefiting from Jong Kook's presence when it comes to the drama's popularity in China, according to Korea Boo. The report called him the "hidden card" and stated that the "mass downloading" and "real-time viewing" are mainly because of Jong Kook's appearance on the show. 

"As 'Running Man' and 'The Producers' gain popularity in China, representatives from local dramas have been showing a lot of interest in Kim Jong Kook," Soompi quoted his agency Urban Works Entertainment as saying in a statement. The agency acknowledged that Jong Kook is still a rookie when it comes to acting, adding that he is open to "the possibility of appearing in something if there is a good character like in 'The Producers.'"

The news does not come as a surprise because Jong Kook has a good fan following in China. Earlier in February, the tickets of his Valentine's Day concert reportedly sold out within two hours after ticket counters opened. Soompi reported at the time that a ticket was getting sold per ten seconds. It is last year in December that Jong Kook for the first time held a solo concert in China, and at that time too, the tickets sold out as soon as the ticket sales opened. Soompi's report, published in November 2014, claimed that Jong Kook is likely more popular than Soo Hyun in China.

Choi Dae Woong recently explained the popularity of Jong Kook as a cast member of "Running Man." Korea Boo quoted him as saying that Jong Kook has established his reputation as someone who likes to solve problems.

The 12-episode Korean drama "The Producers" airs its final two episodes this week. 

TagsKim Jong Kook, the producers, Kim Soo-hyun, Running Man, Kim Jong Kook popularity in China, The Producers China