BBC Studios Asia has announced “12 Seas” co-production with Studio JanChi. This four-part series is the result of an initiative agreed by KOCCA and BBC Studios last year to co-produce, codevelop and distribute Korean factual content to the globe. Studio JanChi successfully won the pitch with their compelling series proposal, which will help take Korean stories to a wider global audience. This co-production comes hot on the heels of the recent success of “Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji Hyo’s Haenyeo Adventure” which saw BBC Studios Asia co-produce it’s first original with JTBC.
BBC Studios Asia will broadcast “12 Seas” (working title) on BBC Earth and BBC Player across Asia. Travel and adventure content is truly part of BBC Earth’s DNA and this title is part of BBC Studios Asia’s commitment to content featuring Asian talent, locations and stories. BBC Studios will handle distribution globally outside of Korea.)
The series will see adventurous duo and culinary superstars Chef Edward Lee and actor Ryu Sooyoung traversing South Korea’s coastline across four seasons and will unveil the secrets behind the country’s most iconic seafood dishes. From braving the rocky shores to harvest wild seaweed using the “Ttulidae” method, to joining local fishermen as they catch anchovies with centuriesold bamboo fish traps, Edward and Ryu immerse themselves in Korea’s rich maritime heritage and discover how seafood isn’t just food in Korea – it’s deeply ingrained in the culture.
Ryan Shiotani, SVP Content, BBC Studios Asia, 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 through the eyes of acclaimed chef Edward Lee and his foodie accomplice Ryu Soo-young. We are grateful to KOCCA for their support and look forward to bringing BBC Studios’ global expertise and creative approach to the partnership.”
Heonseok Baek, CEO of Studio JanChi, added, “We’re thrilled to be working on this title with BBC Studios aer our winning pitch last year. With three distinct seas, home to one of the world’s five largest tidal flats, and over 3,000 islands, the story of seafood and the ocean is inseparable from Korea and we’re looking forward to telling this story to audiences in Asia and beyond with BBC Studios.”
12 Seas will be co-produced by BBC Studios and Studio JanChi for broadcast on BBC Earth Asia and BBC Player in Asia in 2026. Studios JanChi holds the Korean broadcast rights for the series, while BBC Studios will distribute globally.
