BBC Studios, JTBC take deep dive into lives of Korea’s haenyeo women with Song Ji-hyo

BBC Studios (BBCS) is gearing up to launch its first original coproduction with Korean media company JTBC on BBC Earth and BBC Player in Asia next month.

Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji-hyo’s Haenyeo Adventure

Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji-hyo’s Haenyeo Adventure will launch on May 11 and sees the Korean actress and model undertake the greatest challenge of her life, free diving with the country’s legendary ‘women of the sea,’ known as the haenyeo.

The haenyeo are keepers of a precious tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation for at least 400 years, a lifestyle UNESCO has recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Every day the women, many of whom are in their 80s, risk their lives by plunging up to 20 metres to the seafloor without air apparatus or advanced equipment, to earn a living by gathering shellfish.

Ji-hyo, whose aunt was a haenyeo, subjected herself to intensive training to immerse herself in the haenyeo way of life on the island of Jeju.

Ryan Shiotani, senior VP of content at BBCS Asia, said: “We are incredibly proud to partner with JTBC on our first original coproduction together to celebrate the incredible lives of the haenyeo divers and immerse audiences in Song Ji-hyo’s most personal and demanding challenge.

“At BBC Studios, we consistently have the unique privilege to work with the best in the business, and with expert camera work and Song Ji-hyo’s down-to-earth charm, this series is no different. We can’t wait to give viewers in Asia, and across the world, a deeper appreciation of Korea’s deep cultural heritage, like never before.”

Huh Jin, JTBC’s content production director, said: “Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji-hyo’s Haenyeo Adventure is a documentary series that delicately captures the strong spirit and way of life of Jeju’s haenyeo.

“This coproduction with BBC Studios was more than just a show – it was a meaningful first step to share Korea’s precious culture with the world.”