BBCS Asia joins Korea’s Studio JanChi to navigate 12 Seas for culinary series

BBC Studios Asia (BBCSA) has announced culinary travel format 12 Seas, its first coproduction with Korea’s Studio JanChi (A Nation of Kimchi).

Ryan Shiotani

The project is a result of an initiative agreed by BBCS and South Korean cultural export agency KOCCA last year to coproduce, co-develop and distribute factual K-content around the globe.

Studio JanChi won the pitch with its food series concept, which will be carried by BBC Earth and BBC iPlayer across Asia in 2026. BBCS is handling global distribution outside of Korea.

12 Seas features two culinary stars, chef Edward Lee and actor Ryu Soo-young, as they follow South Korea’s coastline over four seasons to unveil the secrets behind the country’s best seafood dishes.

The collaboration comes after the success of BBCSA’s copro with Korean media company JTBC on free-diving doc Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji Hyo’s Haenyeo Adventure.

Ryan Shiotani, senior VP of content at BBCSA, said: “Studio JanChi are leading producers of K-food titles and we were immediately drawn to their concept for 12 Seas, which will offer BBC Earth audiences a new perspective on Korea and its seafood.

“We are grateful to KOCCA for their support and look forward to bringing BBC Studios’ global expertise and creative approach to the partnership.”