At the K-Content & Format Showcase organized by KOCCA, part of the progra, of the second day of ATF 2024, key figures were adviced from seven leading South Korean content companies meanwhile unveiled their latest projects, reflecting the diverse trends shaping K-Content in broadcast and OTT platforms.
Min Ju Kim, License Business Part Lead at HYBE, showcased the company’s ventures beyond its music roots, emphasizing its expanding footprint in entertainment content. HYBE’s slate includes documentaries like RM: Right People, Wrong Place and Seventeen in Caratland, as well as experimental formats like the web drama Are You Sure? ‘We are committed to innovation in storytelling and are actively seeking international partnerships to bring our content to a global audience’, said Kim.
Ileana J. Sung, Global Contents Producer at MR. Romance, presented the adaptation Mary Kills People, a medical thriller exploring ethical dilemmas around euthanasia. Sung described it as a project aiming to balance heavy themes with romance and humor. ‘We’re working to make this the most impactful K-Drama of 2025, reflecting on morality while entertaining a global audience’, shared.
Tae-hoon Kang, Assistant Sales Manager at KBS Media, introduced Synchro U, a game show that fuses AI and music. The show challenges contestants to distinguish between real singers and AI-generated voices. Kang highlighted the global potential of the format, stating, ‘This isn’t just entertainment—it’s a glimpse into how AI is reshaping music and collaboration’.
Jiwan Lee, Manager at SLL Joongang Co., Ltd., detailed The Game of Queen Bee, a competitive reality show centered on leadership and strategy. ‘Through dramatic team dynamics and high-stakes decisions, we explore how power and influence play out in intense environments’, said Lee, underscoring the show’s appeal for both traditional streaming and mobile audiences.
InSoon Kim, EVP and Head of Content at Something Special, revealed Unforgettable Duet, a touching format that pairs Alzheimer’s patients with loved ones to perform songs tied to shared memories. ‘This is more than a show—it’s a celebration of love and the enduring power of music to bridge memory loss’, Kim explained, noting its universal resonance and planned 2025 launch.
Liz Yeegi Kang, Team Leader at STUDIO CR Inc., presented Park Your Prize (PYP), a lighthearted competition where participants navigate challenging terrains with mini-cars while completing timed tasks. She emphasized the format’s versatility, saying, ‘It’s designed to appeal to audiences worldwide, with great potential for brand partnerships’.
Finally, Whitney Kim, Sales Manager at Studio S, discussed Fortune Tellers Love, a reality show where professional fortune-tellers explore their own romantic destinies. The series achieved a 2.2% viewership rating in its second airing. ‘Though tailored to Korean audiences, its universal themes of love and fate make it relatable globally’, said Kim.
