Korea is back, at least for the kind of star-driven pictures which Franchise Pictures has been touting at the AFM.

Korea Pictures/Mirae Asset stumped up seven figure sums - each - for Korean rights to Sylvester Stallone-starrer Champs, and 3000 Miles To Graceland with Kevin Costner and Kurt Russell.

Korea Pictures/Mirae Asset chief DJ Kim, who had previously bought The Whole Nine Yards, Battlefield Earth and The Art Of War from Franchise, closed the deal with Franchise chairman Elie Samaha, president Andrew Stevens and vice president, distribution Richard Novey.

"With the volatility of the Korean market in the past, it is great to have continuity with a major buyer," said Samaha and Stevens.

Added Kim: "We are delighted to continue our relationship with Franchise on their major theatrical product."