Key Developments

CJ E&M announced the rebranding of Channel M to tvN, starting June 2016. tvN is Korea’s No.1 pay-TV channel with top-rated variety shows and record breaking hit dramas. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, tvN redefined Korea’s pay-TV market with top-notch original productions and continues to strengthen the “tvN” brand with the most creative and ground-breaking shows for all age groups. KT and DreamWorks Animation launched the DreamWorks Channel on KT’s network. South Korea was the sixth territory in Asia to debut the channel, featuring more original content than any other kids’ channel in Asia. The initial line-up of shows at launch included Dreamwork DWA’s signature series DreamWorks Dragons: Race to the Edge and Dinotrux, DWA’s first original series.

Globo licensed two more of its hit shows for South Korean media group EPG. The group, which has already aired super productions like Precious Pearl (2014 International Emmy winner), Brazil Avenue, and Merciless, bets on the sensitivity of Parts of Me and on the disco charm of Boogie Oogie to fascinate the country’s audience. The telenovelas, scheduled to air in the second half of the year, are part of Globo’s 2016 international catalogue. Major K-drama hit Descendants of the Sun was aired on the KBS2 channel from February to April 2016. AGB Nielsen’s nationwide viewership share ratings on its last aired episode saw a whopping 38.8%. Being in high demand, KBS then went on to air 3 additional special episodes for viewers, showing highlights and the behind-the-scenes process.

tvN added another masterpiece to its 2016 line-up, announcing The Good Wife Korea, produced by director Jung-Hyo Lee (I Need Romance, Heartless City) and written by Sang- Woon Han (Spy). The Good Wife Korea is a remake of the U.S. version of The Good Wife, a popular series currently in its 7th season since it first aired on CBS back in 2009. The show is the first ever U.S. series to be remade in Korea.