China has lessons to learn in TV drama

China should learn from South Korea when it comes to television drama, legislators from Shanghai said Thursday.

The popular "My Love from the Star" has been a hit with Chinese audiences ever since its debut in December and it was the topic for discussion when Han Zheng, the city's Party chief, joined a panel discussion with the legislators in Beijing.

Actress and legislator Xi Meijuan told Han: "We should think about why South Korean drama can be so popular both on screen and in commercial terms and ask ourselves what we can show to the outside world."

The makers of Chinese TV dramas should involve more traditional elements into their work that could be promoted abroad, according to the actress.

Han said he could hardly remember anything about Chinese dramas after watching them.

"My Love from the Star" has drawn a huge audience, sparking interest in all things Korean, including its food and coffee shop culture.