BBC Studios, South Korea’s JTBC pair for first coproduction with Song Ji-hyo

MIPCOM: BBC Studios and South Korea’s JTBC are teaming to coproduce a new adventure series fronted by Korean star Song Ji-hyo.

Song Ji-hyo

Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji-Hyo’s Haenyeo Adventure will air on JTBC in South Korea and BBC Earth across Asia marking the first time they have partnered on an original production and BBC Studios Asia’s first coproduction in Korea.

The 3×48’ series, revealed this morning at Mipcom here in Cannes, will see Song Ji-hyo free diving with the legendary Haenyeo female underwater sea fishers, who she feels a special connection to.

The Haenyeo are keepers of a tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation for at least 400 years. Every day these women, many of whom are in their 80s, risk their lives by plunging up to 20 metres to the seafloor without oxygen masks or advanced equipment, to gather shellfish for their families and for their livelihood.

Song Ji-Hyo is known for her role on Running Man, Korea’s longest running variety show, and as an actress (Intruder, 2020, Was It Love?, 2020).