Korea’s Something Special partners with MBN in global distribution, production pact

Seoul-based format agency Something Special (SS) has announced an international collaboration with South Korean cable network MBN.

Jin Woo Hwang

SS has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to sell their formats internationally, as well as work together on coproduction, local production, and development.

Founded in 1993, MBN produces reality, talk show, factual and music-skewing content.

The network screens Battle in the Box, a format sold globally by SS which has been optioned in 24 territories.

A UK adaptation, presented by Jimmy Carr, has been commissioned by the Dave channel.

MBN also imports global formats such as Mystery Duets, which originally aired on TF1 in France.

A spokesperson for MBN said: “Our goal is to showcase the excellence of MBN content in the global market through this collaboration.

“Our innovative and eye-catching projects have been widely appreciated, and we are thrilled to promote them worldwide.”

Jin Woo Hwang, president & executive producer, SS, said: “This landmark deal with MBN will take us into our next company phase by increasing format development, production, and licensing projects.”