Chinese celebrity television screenwriter Hai Yan (L), seen here in a January 12, 2008 photo, has invited South Korean actor Lee Jun-ki (R) to lead a remake of one of his best-known works. [Photo: cnsphoto]

Chinese celebrity television screenwriter Hai Yan has invited South Korean actor Lee Jun-ki to lead a remake of one of his best-known works.

"Yi Chang Feng Hua Xue Yue De Shi" ("A Story of Romance"), swept China in 1997 and brought the now-seasoned actress and director Xu Jinglei to the limelight.

The upcoming remake will be the first project in a joint cultural exchange program between China's Ailang Cultural Industry Group and the South Korean company COMA, to which Lee belongs. The two companies officially signed a cooperation deal on Saturday in Beijing.

Along with Lee, cast members from the Chinese side will include Taiwan actor Teddy Wang Jianlong, and mainland actress Lu Enhua.

Lee Jun-ki is widely known in China for his role as a feminine clown in the 2005 Korean hit film "The King and the Clown." He further cemented his Chinese fan base with last year's TV drama, "The Time between Dog and Wolf."

In September, Lee's high-profile joining up with the Hong Kong-based Emperor Entertainment Group, revealed his ambition to expand his career in China.

Hai Yan said on Saturday that he appreciates Lee's acting in "The King and the Clown." From this experience Hai Yan decided that the actor was suitable for his play.

The celebrated screenwriter's latest work, "Five-Star Hotel," also features a South Korean -- actress Jeong Yu-mi -- who managed to secure popularity among Chinese audiences through the show.