'Acting Zelensky' Available on Netflix... Re-airing of the Featured Work 'Gukminui Jong'

Gaining Global Attention and Rising Interest in Past Works
The Story of an Unexpectedly Elected President from a High School Teacher
Success of the Work Also Became a Real Political Entry Opportunity

Source=Netflix Official Twitter

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] The actor-turned-president Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine can now be seen again on Netflix.

On the 16th (local time), the video streaming company Netflix announced through its social media (SNS), "You asked for it, and it's back," stating that it will re-service the 2015 drama Servant of the People starring President Zelensky. This work is a kind of political satire and was aired on Netflix from 2017 to 2021. The first season, consisting of 23 episodes, will be available to U.S. audiences with English subtitles starting today.

At the time, Zelensky, who was a comedian, played a Ukrainian high school teacher who unexpectedly rises to the presidency after becoming famous for a video complaining about corruption. In reality, he was elected President of Ukraine in 2019 following this work and even named his political party "Servant of the People."

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine last month, President Zelensky has attracted worldwide attention for his extraordinary determination in facing the war and his active communication using social media (SNS). Major media outlets have highlighted that this interest has led to support for Ukraine as well as demand for his past works.

The license for the drama was granted by the Swedish distributor "Ecolights" to Netflix as well as the UK's Channel 4, the Middle East's MBC, and Greece's ANT1. Nikola S?derlund, managing partner of Ecolights, explained, "This series is a comedy, but it is an important record of where Zelensky came from," adding, "This fictional president is the story of an ordinary person growing into a heroic and respected leader." He further noted, "The real world that Zelensky and Ukrainians face is much darker and more terrible than the drama, but there are clearly similar aspects." According to the British BBC, the series was broadcast for the first time in the UK last weekend, with 100,000 viewers tuning in.