ITV

Tag: Jin Woo Hwang

  • Korean TV format powerhouse plants flag in India with two ambitious deals

    Korean TV format powerhouse plants flag in India with two ambitious deals

    CANNES: Seoul’s Something Special has cracked India’s booming television market with a one-two punch, licensing two Korean formats to Karman Unlimited that promise to deliver both tears and laughter to subcontinental audiences. The Seoul-based agency announced the deals at Mipcom, the world’s largest television content marketplace held this month in Cannes.

    First up is Unforgettable Duet, a heart-wrenching unscripted series that reunites dementia patients with their pasts through music and memory. Families curate mementos and a cherished song, which are then loaded onto a Memory Bus that triggers long-buried recollections. The finale sees the patient perform an emotional duet with a family member, crowned by a tribute song from a professional artist. It is therapeutic television at its most potent.

    Then there is Hit & Miss Tour, a raucous comedy show featuring five long-time comedian friends competing in six to eight daily mini-challenges across tourist destinations. With over 210 games in the bank and sponsorship from tourism boards across Turkey and Greece, the format has proved a ratings winner on Channel S in South Korea.

    Something Special president and executive producer Jin Woo Hwang sees the deals as validation of the company’s mission to export Korean creative firepower globally. Karman Unlimited founder & chief executive Sunita Uchil —who previously held sway at Zee TV International—is equally bullish, predicting that Unforgettable Duet will strike a chord with Indian families whilst Hit & Miss Tour delivers the laughs the country desperately needs. Two formats, two markets, infinite possibilities.

  • Something Special signs Courtney Boyett to script global sales success

    Something Special signs Courtney Boyett to script global sales success

    MUMBAI: When a company’s called Something Special, you expect its hires to be nothing short of headline-worthy. True to form, the Seoul-based format agency has brought on Courtney Boyett as senior manager of global sales, adding a bilingual edge and a globe-trotting flair to its international ambitions. Boyett steps into the role after a stint at Kiwi Vine, where she spearheaded business development in webtoon localisation and edited stories for global audiences. A fluent speaker of both English and Korean, she began her career as a translator and researcher, giving her a strong cultural bridge that fits neatly into the DNA of a format specialist.

    Armed with a business degree from Alabama’s Troy University and time at Inha University in Seoul, Boyett has lived across the U.S. and Korea while racking up stamps from extensive travels, an experience that may come in handy as she takes Something Special’s formats to markets worldwide.

    True to form president and executive producer Jin Woo Hwang couldn’t hide his enthusiasm: “Courtney will no doubt deliver great results with her sparkling personality and expertise. After my recent MENA trip, our sales arm is primed for expansion.”

    True to form co-founder EVP & head of content Insoon Kim, echoed the sentiment: “When I first met Courtney at Hong Kong Filmart, I was immediately impressed by her professionalism and bright character.”

    For Boyett, the feeling is mutual. “I’m excited to work with Insoon, Jin and the team at Something Special and look forward to sharing their innovative formats with the content world at several markets,” she said.

    With Asia’s format exports booming and Something Special sharpening its global push, Boyett’s appointment is both timely and telling: this is a format house with no intention of staying local.

  • TF1 picks up Korean formats Still Alive and The Penthouse Game for France

    TF1 picks up Korean formats Still Alive and The Penthouse Game for France

    MUMBNAI: From cryptic mansions to cash-fuelled elevators, two of Korea’s most bonkers reality shows are packing their passports and heading to France. Something Special, the Seoul-based format agency known for its boundary-pushing unscripted content, has struck a double-format deal with Studio TF1 via Flanagan Productions, licensing two of its hit Korean shows Still Alive and The Penthouse Game for French adaptation.

    It’s a spooky-meets-spendy combo: Still Alive is a clue-hunting, rule-breaking game show set in a mysterious mansion where contestants must stay sharp or face mysterious, instant elimination. With hidden rules, 24-hour gameplay, and comedic curveballs, the show blends suspense with laughs, and has already been picked up in 14 territories, including Germany, Italy, and across the Nordics.

    Meanwhile, The Penthouse Game trades ghosts for gold. In this high-stakes, hierarchy-driven format, financially struggling contestants fight for dominance both literal and metaphorical as they ascend (or descend) a vertical playing field controlled by a central elevator. With gold tokens, food rations, and three hosts acting as agents of power, it’s part Monopoly, part Squid Game, part social experiment.

    Both formats were snapped up by Flanagan Productions, one of Studio TF1’s flagship labels, known for adapting edgy international hits for prime-time French TV.

    “We’re thrilled to bring these high-concept Korean formats to France,” said Flanagan head Florence Boudaud. “They’re bold, unexpected, and packed with creative storytelling exactly what today’s audiences are craving.”

    For Something Special, co-founders Jin Woo Hwang and Insoon Kim see this as further proof that Korea’s wildly inventive reality concepts are more than just fleeting trends, they’re becoming global go-tos for fresh unscripted content.

    “Our motto is simple create and connect,” said Kim. “And that’s exactly what we’re doing with formats like Still Alive and The Penthouse Game.”

    With the global appetite for Korean storytelling at an all-time high, these two eccentric, high-drama formats are ready to give French audiences a taste of K-reality with a side of chaos.

  • South Korean format factory Something Special gets cash injection

    South Korean format factory Something Special gets cash injection

    MUMBAI: Seoul-based format agency Something Special has secured a financial booster shot from two South Korean investment heavyweights, Daekyo Investment and SB Partners, to fuel its global expansion ambitions.
    The deal, whose financial particulars remain under wraps, sees Daekyo providing the lion’s share of capital with SB Partners chipping in supporting funds. The cash injection comes as Something Special celebrates its fifth birthday, giving it ample ammunition for its next growth phase.

    The format agency, helmed by president and executive producer Jin Woo Hwang and executive VP and head of content InSoon Kim, has already made significant inroads in the global format marketplace. Its smash hit Battle in the Box  has been snapped up in 23 territories, while Still Alive has found homes in 11 markets.

    Its  latest offering, Unforgettable Duet—a heartstring-tugging format featuring dementia patients reconnecting with memories through beloved songs—debuted on MBN as one of 2024’s highest-rated unscripted launches. The show has since secured a full ten-episode commission for 2025 and caught the fancy of Helium Pictures, which optioned it for Australia and New Zealand in December 2024.

    Daekyo Investment, which manages the Daekyo K-Contents Scale Up Fund targeting small and medium-sized venture companies in Korea’s cultural content sector, seems pleased with its new portfolio addition. The firm’s executive director Roh Jai Seung gushed: “Something Special has proven itself to be a globally known and highly respected content company. They are shining a light on the best of Korean creativity to the world.”

    Hwang and Kim responded: “We are honoured that Daekyo Investment and SB Partners recognise Something Special’s vision and potential. As the leading independent Korean agency representing A-list producers and formats worldwide, we remain committed to our motto: We connect and create.”

    The Seoul outfit also represents the white-hot format The Traitors in Korea and boasts partnerships with format behemoths including FremantleMedia, Banijay, ITV UK, UKTV and Warner Brothers International Television.

  • Something Special announces five new formats for Mipcom

    Something Special announces five new formats for Mipcom

    Mumbai: Something Special’s president Jin Woo Hwang has announced the company’s new slate for Mipcom, featuring five formats: Unforgettable Duet, a series about music, family, and memories; Penthouse Game, a reality game show for individuals facing financial challenges; Hit-and-Miss Tour, a celebrity comedian travel show; I Am Single, Korea’s top-rated dating reality show; and the company’s first scripted drama, Who is She! They will also highlight the celebrity game show Battle in the Box. Something Special will be at the KOCCA pavilion (R7.E1, R7.E2) and present at KOCCA’s showcase on 22 Oct at 3:30 pm in Auditorium K.

    Unforgettable Duet: This emotional unscripted series follows dementia patients whose families collect mementos and a favorite song to help them recall lost memories. Participants travel on a “Memory Bus” filled with personal items, triggering forgotten life moments. The journey culminates in a studio duet performance by the patient and a family member, followed by a tribute from a popular singer. Created by Eun-seol Mo (Culinary Class War) and co-produced with Studio Rudolph.

    Penthouse Game: An experimental reality game show where contestants facing financial challenges compete for a cash prize. They use gold tokens to move around a penthouse with an elevator at the center. The show features three hosts with key roles. Originally aired on Channel A and local streamer WAVVE.

    Hit-and-Miss Tour: A comedy travel show featuring five comedians who’ve been friends for 20 years. They take on six to eight mini-challenges per day, with the loser footing the bill. The format has completed over 210 mini-games and is sponsored by tourism boards like those of Turkey and Greece. It was the top-rated show on Channel S (owned by SK Telecom) and produced by Media S.

    I Am Single: A hyper-realistic dating reality show where 12 singles seeking marriage spend six days together to find their partner. Participants use nicknames and cannot reveal their real identities during their stay. The show is a top-rated dating series in Korea, airing on ENA and SBS Plus, and streaming on five platforms. Created by Chonjang Entertainment.

    Who is She!: A scripted drama adaptation of the hit film Miss Granny, about a 70-year-old woman who is magically transformed into her 20-year-old self after having her picture taken. With a second chance at youth, she pursues her dream of becoming a singer. Produced by Studio V+ and Idea Factory, the series will premiere on KBS2 in December 2024.

    Battle in the Box: A celebrity game show where two teams live in an empty box divided by a movable wall, armed only with a toothbrush for 24 hours. Teams win more space and luxuries by completing challenges, but as one team gains space, the other loses it. Interstellar recently acquired the US rights, after producing the U.K. version hosted by Jimmy Carr on U&Dave TV. Created by Nmedia, the show originally aired on MBN in Korea.

    Hwang stated: “Something Special is honored to bring the very special Unforgettable Duet format which premiered in Korea last month on MBN in primetime and was the number one show on the channel that night; as well as two fun formats are The Penthouse Game, and celebrity comedian travel format Hit or Miss. We also will present our first scripted drama format Timeless Time and our popular, hilarious, and precarious celebrity format, Battle in the Box which premiered this past July in the UK on BBC’s U&Dave TV and is now optioned in the US by Interstellar, producer of the UK version. Our Korean formats are ready to hit the rest of the world.”

  • Something Special licenses Battle in the Box’s US rights to UK’s Interstellar

    Something Special licenses Battle in the Box’s US rights to UK’s Interstellar

    Mumbai: Seoul-based international format agency Something Special’s president Jin Woo Hwang announced that they licensed the US rights for ‘Battle in the Box’ to UK production company, Interstellar. Interstellar produced the UK version which aired this past summer with host-comedian Jimmy Carr on U&Dave TV (owned by UKTV, a subsidiary of BBC). The show was created by Nmedia and is globally represented by Something Special. It originally aired in South Korea on MBN with top ratings.

    The program is about two celebrity teams who enter an empty box divided by a movable wall armed only with a toothbrush to live with for 24 hours. Teams earn space and luxuries by conquering physical and mental challenges. Victory expands their living area, but more room for one team means less for the other. With challenges occurring around the clock, the celebrities must be strategic to secure their space.

    Hwang stated: “Something Special is thrilled how Battle in the Box was received in the U.K. and now has an opportunity to go to the U.S. This unique game show format, created by their partner Nmedia, launched in S. Korea on MBN and was a major hit. Take two pairs of celebrities and put them in an expandable box for 24 hours, what could go wrong? We love working with Interstellar and look forward to even more versions of Battle in the Box.”

    Interstellar MD David Williams stated: “Bringing the brilliant Battle in the Box to U&Dave in the UK has been an absolute joy. We cannot wait to take everything we’ve learned about this groundbreaking reality and gameshow format and apply it to a host of new famous faces in the US. American celebrities beware, the Box is coming for you!”

  • Something Special & TAICCA partner to co-develop and co-produce new unscripted IP

    Something Special & TAICCA partner to co-develop and co-produce new unscripted IP

    Mumbai: Something Special, Seoul-based number one independent* international format agency, and the Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA) are excited to announce a dynamic partnership to co-develop and co-produce new unscripted intellectual properties (IP) over the next two years. This collaboration is set to begin by the end of June 2024.

    This strategic partnership was formalised with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 17 June 2024, during the LEAP co-development event in Seoul. This event was a result of a collaboration between TAICCA, Something Special, and AR Asia Productions (previously announced), aimed at enhancing Taiwanese unscripted creativity by mentoring Taiwanese producers and further developing their ideas.

    Under the terms of the MOU, Something Special and TAICCA will engage in discussions to develop Something Special’s own original paper formats IP for Taiwanese productions. The collaboration will explore diverse co-production opportunities, including working with Taiwanese producers and production companies, engaging Taiwanese celebrities and non-celebrities, and producing shows in Taiwan.

    TAICCA chairperson Homme Tsai stated: “Korean variety shows continuously innovate, providing fresh experiences. Their diverse content captures global attention and resonates with audiences. Taiwan also boasts its unique culture and creative talent. Through this collaboration, we hope to enhance the cultural and technical exchange between Taiwan and Korea. We are excited for more international audiences to discover Taiwan through audiovisual content, and to see more Taiwan-specific content shine on the international stage.”

    Something Special president & EP Jin Woo Hwang stated: “We are pleased to announce this collaboration with TAICCA, with our experiences working with government agencies and international partners, we are more than happy to take part in building the next step of Asian original content.”

  • Something Special acquires international format licensing rights of The Penthouse Game

    Something Special acquires international format licensing rights of The Penthouse Game

    Mumbai: Something Special, Seoul-based #1 independent* international format agency, announced they acquired international licensing rights for the experimental reality game show The Penthouse Game which aired on July 2022 on Channel A and local streamer WAVVE. This show will be available for buyers to review at the LA Screenings Independent.

    The Penthouse Game

    This brand-new experimental reality game show features individuals going through financial difficulties and competing for a cash prize. This thrilling competition features challenges to determine who will occupy the ultimate power of the penthouse. The players will utilize the gold tokens and move around using the elevator in the middle. There will be three hosts who will play different key roles in the show.

    Something Special president & executive producer Jin Woo Hwang stated: “Something Special is pleased to announce acquisitions for international licensing. We are honored that producers come to Something Special to take their shows out of Korea. The Penthouse Game is already gaining traction in Korea and in select markets, and both are set to be audience favorites.”

  • Something Special announces sale of two format options to Spain’s Mediawan

    Something Special announces sale of two format options to Spain’s Mediawan

    Mumbai: Something Special, Seoul-based #1 independent* international format agency announced the licensing of two formats into Spain and also announced they are taking a hot new  dating format to MIPFormats/MIPTV. Something Special’s head of international business Praise ChanMi Shin will be at MIP to present a case study of Still Alive a mystery reality game show format which the company has created with top Korean creator, Miyeon Kim and Bora Lee. The session is taking place at 10:15 am on Sunday, 7 April 2024 in the Palais des Festivals Riviera Stage.

    Spain’s Mediawan acquired two formats through its local production labels: Veranda took Something Special’s spooky format Still Alive while Boomerang took celebrity competition format Battle in the Box

    Something Special is also preparing for MIPFormats and MIPTV and will bring their hot new dating format: I AM SINGLE (aka I AM SOLO – KR title): In 2023, there were 43 dating shows airing across different channels and platforms in Korea. Among them, this show has broken records as one of the most viewed non-scripted dating shows across three streaming platforms, including Netflix. This show has also been the most searched and viral TV show of 2023.

    Something Special president & executive producer Jin Woo Hwang stated: “Something Special is pleased announce that Mediawan acquired our special formats for Spain Still Alive and Battle in the Box. We’re also excited to bring the freshest and the best Korean formats for the first time internationally during MIPTV and MIPFormats. Our head of international business- Praise, will be presenting a case study of Still Alive at MIPFormats which we are proudly representing.”

    Boomerang CEO Jorge Pezzi said, “We are delighted to announce that we have acquired the rights for Spain to Battle in the Box. We are convinced that it is a very attractive format for the Spanish public. The Boomerang TV unscripted team is experts in adapting international entertainment brands and I am convinced that they will make a great version of ‘Battle in the box’.

    Veranda Media director of non-scripted Tono Hernández stated, “We are thrilled to partner with Something Special to bring Still Alive to Spanish audiences. With its distinctive and straightforward concept, the format delivers a great deal of fun and keep everyone – contestants and viewers alike – constantly guessing and engaged.”

  • Something Special & ITV Studios sign multi-territory option deal for ‘Battle in the Box’

    Something Special & ITV Studios sign multi-territory option deal for ‘Battle in the Box’

    Mumbai: Something Special, the Seoul-based international format agency founded by format specialists Jin Woo Hwang (president & executive producer) and InSoon Kim (EVP & head of content) have announced that global production powerhouse ITV Studios has optioned the hit Korean celebrity format Battle in the Box for France, Australia, New Zealand, and Israel.

    Battle in the Box, created by Korea’s NMedia and represented globally by Something Special, has traveled around the world in recent months including previously announced deals with Fremantle (for Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Portugal) and UKTV which commissioned the groundbreaking game show for Dave and UKTV Play, hosted by comedian Jimmy Carr.    

    Battle in the Box is a comedic competition and reality game show hybrid in which two celebrity pairs live in an empty box specially designed with movable walls. With no home comforts, celebrities must conquer physical and mental challenges in order to win special prizes and ever-coveted floorspace. Winning these challenges expands their living area while shrinking the losing team’s. Round-the-clock challenges with cameras watching their every move means each pair must strategize to expand their space and win!

    Something Special VP & head of sales Praise ChanMi Shin stated: “It’s extraordinary to see the huge international response to Battle in the Box which we instantly loved and couldn’t wait to take globally. And now our partners at ITV Studios are taking this exciting show further and building on its success. We look forward to seeing how each country adds its own touch to this hilarious series.”

    ITV Studios VP format acquisitions Ella Umansky stated: “We’re excited to be taking out such a fun, creative format alongside Something Special. It’s a simple but hilarious concept that translates everywhere. Celebrities are used to taking up space but Battle In The Box takes things right back to basics – they’ll have to earn every home comfort, including the floorspace.”