T.O.P. to star in new TV drama by Song Jina

Big Bang member T.O.P. has been tapped to star in a new TV series by famed writer Song Jina.

A source associated with the new drama confirmed on Tuesday that T.O.P. is set to play the main character in the series tentatively titled "Zero Plus", which will be co-produced by Song and Big Bang's agency YG Entertainment.

"Zero" is about the dreams and love stories of students enrolled in the theater department in college. Song is reportedly contacting young college actresses for the female lead role.

The source went on to explain that the drama, expected to air in July 2010, is currently in discussions with major broadcasting stations MBC and KBS for airing. The official shooting will start after the broadcaster for the drama has been determined.

Song, one of the most successful television writers in Korea, has written numerous hit dramas including "Kaist", "Sandglass" and the recent "The Story of the First King's Four Gods", which starred Hallyu star Bae Yong-joon. "Sandglass", which starred top actress Koh Hyeon-jeong, recorded a 64 percent viewership rating at the time of its airing in 1995, making it one of the highest-rated dramas in Korean history.

T.O.P., whose real name is Choi Seung-hyun, is a rapper of the popular idol group Big Bang. He debuted as an actor in the 2007 drama "I Am Sam" and currently appears in blockbuster drama "Iris" alongside Lee Byung-hun and Kim Tae-hee.

Reporter : Lim Hye-seon lhsro@asiae.co.kr
Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr