The successful star-studded drama "Iris" is such a big hit in Korea that producers announced this week a second season is being planned for 2010.

The series is produced by Chung Tae-won, whose film credits including the "Marrying the Mafia" movie series, "Barefoot Ki Bong" and "Shadowless Sword." In 2006, he and "Marrying the Mafia 3" stars Shin Hyun-joon and Tak Jae-hoon appeared at the Hawaii International Film Festival. While Chung is no stranger to making movie sequels, his decision to make a second season of "Iris" is unprecedented in South Korea, where dramas end after 16 to 52 episodes. In some cases, popular dramas are extended, but the shows don't stop, then contine the following year.

"Iris" has an all-star cast that includes Lee Byung-hun ("Bittersweet Life"), Jung Joon-ho and Kim Tae-hee. The spy-action themed drama has filmed in many countries and, for season two, filming is planned in Italy, Japan, China and New Zealand.

Filming is slated to begin in late May of 2010, according to Chung, who may change titles and cast members for the next season because star Lee Byung-hun is tentatively booked for filming the sequel to his Hollywood film and may not be available.

"Iris" just started this past Wednesday and airs on Channel 80 on Oceanic digital cable at 9:50 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, with repeats Thursdays and Fridays at 9:50 a.m. "Iris" will be ending in Korea on Dec. 17 after its 20th episode. The series has cost an estimated $20 million to produce, which is the largest budget for a TV series to date.

With the success of the first season, it wouldn't be unrealistic for the budget for season two to increase but that would depend on who will be filling the void left by Lee Byung-hun. Who knows, if I were to shoot from the hip I might suggest to the producer: How about Rain as the main character for season two? "Ninja Assassin" did very well last week in South Korea, stamping Rain's approval by Korean fans regarding his Hollywood success. He fits the action genre with his six-pack abs and is now an international star who can rival Lee Byung-hun's success.

'SMILE, HONEY'

EPISODES 7 AND 8

Tonight at 7:45 p.m.: Junggil and his family are flabbergasted about Manbok's sudden change in attitude, and Junggil blames Junggin for telling Manbok about their predicament. Junggin tries to flirt with Manbok to get her way, but only gets an earful from him. Tomorrow at 7:45 p.m.: Hyunsu is hurt by Junggyung's harsh words, and Geumja is unhappy to find Hyunsu and Junggyung together in front of Hyunsu's room. Junggil gets drunk and throws a tantrum in front of Manbok. Junggin's heart goes out to heartbroken Hyun-su.

'LOVE YOU 1,000 TIMES'

EPISODES 3 AND 4

Sunday at 6:45 p.m.: Eun-nim tries to find money for her father's surgery, but is unsuccessful. She finally contacts Chief Lee. Nan-jeong leaves home to avoid Eun-nim. Gang-ho keeps bumping into Eun-nim, but can never catch her. Se-hoon and Sun-young are struggling because of the baby. Sun-young decides to use a surrogate mother. Sunday at 7:45 p.m.: Sun-young decides to do as her mother-in-law tells her. Se-hoon is sick and tired of trying artificial insemination and keeps going back to the same bar. Nan-jeong tries to seduce Gang-ho. Gang-ho keeps looking for the "gangster." Eun-nim goes ahead with the procedure. Her father's surgery is a success.

'ANGEL'S TEMPTATION'

EPISODES 3 AND 4

Monday at 7:45 p.m.: Aran flees the scene of the accident, leaving bleeding Hyun-woo behind. Aran calls Joo-seung for help, and he helps her get back inside the house unnoticed. Hyun-woo's family gets a call about his accident and rushes to the hospital to find him unconscious. Aran vows to take over Soul Furniture. Tuesday at 7:45 p.m.: Jae-hee is shocked to find the patient she'll be taking care of is Hyun-woo. Hyun-min visits Aran's high school, but fails to get any information on Aran. Jae-hee tells Aran Hyun-woo needs more medical care, but Aran says no. Aran continues to send threatening messages to Woo-sub.

'HE'S BEAUTIFUL'

EPISODES 3 AND 4

Wednesday at 7:45 p.m.: Minam drops Taekyung's PMP onto a truck while fighting over it. Minam climbs to the truck to retrieve the PMP, but the truck leaves with Minam on top. Taekyung tells Minam to wrap up all loose ends and leave. Shin-woo tells Minam that he knows she's a girl. Thursday at 7:45 p.m.: Minam gets her baby picture through Mija and begs Taekyung to let her stay in the band until she finds her mother. Minam loses consciousness in the pool and Taekyung jumps in to save her. But Tae­kyung gets knocked unconscious by Minam, and Minam ends up rescuing Taekyung. A.N.Jell fans finally accept Minam into the band when they hear Minam saved Taekyung from drowning.