Jin Woo Hwang of Something Special
Something Special, the Seoul-based international Format agency founded by Format specialists Jin Woo Hwang (President & Executive Producer) and InSoon Kim (EVP & Head of Content), has signed a pair of option deals with STUDIO TF1 (optioned via subsidiary Flanagan Productions) for two hit Korean formats: spooky game show Still Alive and high-stakes financial competition series The Penthouse Game, created and produced by Channel A.
Still Alive is a fun reality competition program where ten contestants find clues and compete with challenges in a mysterious mansion. They participate in the 24-hour game by ignoring some new forbidden rules presented. With hidden “elimination rules” that cause immediate removal, contestants and viewers alike will be filled with apprehension, solving the riddles and trying to stay in the game. Unlike other competition-themed formats, the show is filled with comedic twists. This marks the 14th license deal for the format, including Germany, Italy and Nordics region. Trailer: LINK
The Penthouse Game is an experimental reality competition show featuring Hierarchy and distribution with individuals going through financial difficulties and competing for a cash prize. This thrilling competition features challenges to determine who will occupy the ultimate power of the penthouse, which also holds the distribution of foods and prizes. The players utilize gold tokens and move around using the elevator in the middle while three hosts play different key roles within the show. TRAILER: LINK
These two Korean formats were optioned by Flanagan Productions, one of STUDIO TF1’s flagship production labels. Known for its strong editorial identity and its ability to adapt bold, international formats for the French market, Flanagan is central to STUDIO TF1’s strategy to bring distinctive and engaging unscripted content to prime-time audiences.
Hwang stated: “Something Special enjoys a truly wonderful partnership with STUDIO TF1, and we are thrilled they’ve acquired two of our most popular competition formats, the engaging and spooky gameshow Still Alive and financial-themed format competition, The Penthouse Game. Something Special is pleased to offer a wide variety of Korean-born formats for global audiences.”
Kim added: “STUDIO TF1chose well with Still Alive and The Penthouse Game, as French viewers will be very drawn to these two exciting shows like our Korean viewers. Something Special continues to deliver on our motto – create and connect.”
Florence Boudaud, Head of Flanagan Productions, added: “We are delighted to bring these fresh, high-concept Korean formats to the French audience. Their unique mechanics and creative ambition align perfectly with Flanagan’s editorial line and STUDIO TF1’s vision for innovative storytelling.”
