Something Special, the Seoul-based international Format production agency founded by Format specialists Jin Woo Hwang (President & Executive Producer) and InSoon Kim (EVP & Head of Content), announced the company received major investment to expand. DAEKYO Investment is the lead investment capital, and SB Partners is the supporting capital. Both venture capitals invest in the 5-year-old company, allowing for its next growth phase.

Something Special earned success with several format developments and productions, the latest production being the heartfelt Unforgettable Duet about dementia patients who are inspired to remember when singing favorite songs. The show first aired as a primetime special on MBN as one of the highest rated new unscripted show launches in 2024 and recently received a full commission for 10 episodes for 2025. Helium Pictures optioned the show in December 2024 for Australia and New Zealand. Something Special has also been known for the key provider of Korean formats, including Battle in the Box being optioned in 23 territories and Still Alive in 11 territories, noted as the best independent format business operator in the nation. Additionally, in every year since the company’s launch, Something Special received two full grants from KOCCA to develop and produce Korean formats. They also now represent the hugely successful Traitors format for Korea from All3Media, and partner with other global Format and broadcast giants FremantleMedia, Banijay, as well as ITV UK, UKTV, Warner Brothers International Television. 

 DAEKYO Investment is a venture capital firm catering to sectors such as venture startups, bio healthcare, ICT, cultural content, and education technology. Founded in 2011, the company is based in Seoul, South Korea with a mission is to apply business philosophies such as value, customer-, and outcome-oriented management. The capital firm manages the ‘DAEKYO K-Contents Scale Up Fund’ in which supports small and medium-sized venture companies that lead the scale-up and developments of cultural contents in Korea. Investment in Something special is also part of operating the fund.

SB Partners is a South Korea-based private investment firm, engaged in investments ranging from start-ups to mature businesses. With track records that cover the entire corporate lifecycle, the firm excels in both buyouts and early-stage investing, aiming to maximize profitability for limited partners while fostering portfolio growth. Leveraging its global network, SB Partners also drives cross-border value creation for its investments. 

DAEKYO Investment (Roh Jai Seung, Executive Director) stated: “Something Special has proven itself to be a globally known and highly respected content company, specialized in Korean formats, both producing and helping to promote great Korean IP outside of Korea. They are shining a light on best of Korean creativity to the world, and we are excited to collaborate with Jin Woo, InSoon and their expert team.”

Hwang & Kim of Something Special stated: “We are honored that DAEKYO Investment and SB Partners recognize Something Special’s vision and potential. Their investment is a testament to our work in bringing top-tier Korean format talents and projects to the global stage. As the leading independent Korean agency representing A-list producers and formats worldwide, we remain committed to our motto: We connect and create.”