Yoo Min hops aboard "Iris"

Japanese actress Yoo Min will return to the Korean small screen for the first time in four years, appearing in recent hit TV series "Iris" starting this week, according to its production company on Monday.

Yoo Min will play the role of an agency in the international research division of the Japanese Cabinet starting in the seventh episode, Taewon Entertainment announced in a press release.

Her appearance in the spy drama had not been announced beforehand but was asked to be part of the cast as producers prepared to shoot on location in Japan.

"I am very happy and excited to be saying hello to viewers in Korea with a great drama which involves a spectacular cast," the 30-year-old actress was quoted as saying.

Yoo Min, whose real name is Yuko Fueki, has appeared in nearly a dozen dramas and movies in Korea including hit TV series "All In" starring Hallyu stars Lee Byung-hun and Song Hye-kyo.

It will be Yoo Min's second time working with Lee, who currently leads the cast of "Iris" alongside actor Jung Jun-ho and actress Kim Tae-hee. The drama's ratings have been gaining every week since its premiere in mid-October to stand at nearly 30 percent.

Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr