Movie director and screenwriter Jang Jin will direct and write scripts for a Korean version of comedy show “Saturday Night Live” on entertainment channel tvN.

The operator of the cable channel CJ E&M said “Saturday Night Live Korea” would air for eight weeks starting Dec. 3 at 11 p.m.

The American late-night TV show, which started in 1975 on NBC, has been on the air for 37 years every Saturday, inviting top celebrities to perform sketches on politics and culture. Celebrities such as Madonna, Lady Gaga, Matt Damon and George Clooney have been on the show.

The Korean version will keep to the original format ― making it live and inviting stars on to every episode. It will be the first time in Korea that a TV comedy show will be aired live.

Jang, a huge fan of SNL and former writer for local entertainment programs, is expected to play a significant role in casting Korea’s top celebrities and directing the show, CJ E&M said.

By Kim Yoon-mi (yoonmi@heraldcorp.com)