The lead characters of "Orange Marmalade" -- Yeo Jin-goo (right), AOA's Seolhyun (center) and CNBLUE's Lee Jong-hyun. (KBS)

High school vampire TV drama "Orange Marmalade," based on the eponymous Web cartoon, is enjoying an unexpected surge in viewer ratings.

"Orange Marmalade" airs directly after another popular TV drama "The Producers," which received overwhelming publicity due to its lead actor Kim Soo-hyun. Both "Orange Marmalade" and "The Producers" started broadcasting on May 15.

"Orange Marmalade" is set in a world where vampires and humans coexist, focusing on one particular high school. The drama series stars two K-pop singers, Seolhyun from AOA and Lee Jong-hyun from CNBLUE, along with 17-year-old leading actor Yeo Jin-goo.

In the week it first aired, "Orange Marmalade" ranked fifth among all domestic TV programs, according to several national and broadcasting figures.

A week after its first episode, "Orange Marmalade" ranked second among all Korean TV dramas, according to data from analytics company GoodData Corporation.

A publicity photo for "Orange Marmalade" featuring Yeo Jin-goo (left), AOA's Seolhyun (center) and CNBLUE's Lee Jong-hyun. (KBS)

Local media has praised the chemistry between the three teenage actors and their heartfelt character portrayals.

"Orange Marmalade" also received positive ratings for its warm-toned cinematography and delicate soundtrack, featuring singers Hwanhee, Park Ji-min and Lily M., among others.

The TV drama’s popularity abroad could also be attributed to the international fan base of the original "Orange Marmalade" Web cartoon.

"Orange Marmalade" airs every Friday at 10:35 p.m.

A publicity poster for "Orange Marmalade," featuring Yeo Jin-goo (right) and singer-actress Seolhyun. (KBS)

Watch a soundtrack song by Lily M. here:


By Yoon Sarah (sarah356@heraldcorp.com)

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