Industry

Leading Korean format production agency Something Special, founded by Jin Woo Hwang and InSoon Kim, has secured strategic investment from DAEKYO Investment and SB Partners to drive its next phase of growth.

The Seoul-based company, known for developing and exporting hit formats, has gained international recognition with shows like Unforgettable Duet—a moving series about dementia patients reconnecting through music—Battle in the Box, optioned in 23 territories, and Still Alive, sold in 11 markets. It also represents the Korean adaptation of The Traitors for All3Media and partners with industry giants Fremantle, Banijay, ITV UK, UKTV, and Warner Bros.

DAEKYO Investment, a key player in venture capital for cultural content, manages the ‘DAEKYO K-Contents Scale Up Fund’, supporting innovative Korean media companies. SB Partners, a private equity firm with expertise in cross-border investments, brings additional global growth potential.

DAEKYO Investment’s Executive Director Roh Jai Seung stated: "Something Special has proven itself as a global force in Korean content. Their success in developing and promoting premium Korean formats makes them a key player in the industry, and we’re thrilled to support their expansion."

Hwang & Kim of Something Special added: "This investment is a testament to our mission of bringing top-tier Korean format talent to the world. As the leading independent Korean agency, we remain committed to our motto: We connect and create."