Cho, Kyu Sang needs an interpreter to communicate when in India. But the director-general, media policy bureau of the Korean Broadcasting Commission, is confident that language will be no deterrent when it comes to getting Korean language TV shows on Indian television.

Here to test the waters for a possible exchange of software at the two-day long TV Korea Showcase, Cho found time between meeting production house heads and broadcasters' representatives for a brief tete a tete with indiantelevision.com's Aparna Joshi.

Excerpts:

Why was it suddenly felt necessary to take Korean content overseas?
We had an Asia Pacific round table in Seoul last November, a regulatory summit during which an agreement was reached that we would take our programmes out for exchange, in order to increase friendship between countries.

But why was India chosen?
Indonesia, Thailand and India were identified as the three countries who are somewhat familiar with Korean culture. We have already covered the other two countries and are now interested in initiating a dialogue with India. Koreans, too, are only slightly familiar with India. Mahatma Gandhi and Tagore are the only names that we know, as these are mentioned in the school texts! It would be interesting to know more….

Are you confident that this trip will yield good business in terms of exports for the participating broadcasters and independent production houses from Korea?
Exchange of TV software is the primary objective. Our first efforts would be to build an awareness about Korean programmes and build bridges with broadcasters here. My estimate is that we will start with exporting documentaries and then move on to drama and other genres.

Which are the genres that Korean audiences are currently hooked on to?
Drama continues to rule the Korean viewers' tastes. Historical drama is also gaining in popularity these days. Reality TV is high on the younger generation's agenda, but re-enacted television, as against impromptu reality is what seems to be more popular.

Apart from TV software, are any of the Korean broadcasters looking to enter India?
KBS Korea is considering it.