The popular MBC TV series “King’s Doctor,” also known as “Horse Doctor,” will begin airing in Japan within the year, the drama’s local promotion company said Friday.

“The Japanese TV network NHK is scheduled to air ‘King’s Doctor’ within the year,” said the company, 3HW. “It is rare for the channel to broadcast a TV series that is still being broadcast (in its country of production).”

Aside from Japan, the historical drama has been sold to other foreign, mostly Asian, regions, including Hong Kong, the Philippines, Turkey, Myanmar, Japan, Cambodia, Taiwan and Singapore.

Starring Jo Seung-woo and Lee Yo-won, the “King’s Doctor” follows a veterinarian in the Joseon Period (1392-1910) as he encounters difficulties while trying to become a royal physician.

Directed by the MBC TV producer Lee Byung-hoon, known for his previous works “Hur Jun,” “Jewel in the Palace,” “Yi San” and “Dong Yi,” the latest series began airing on the MBC channel in October last year. It is scheduled to close late this month. (Yonhap News)