Scripted

BBC Studios announces first global format sale for Undercover and the third drama format collaboration between BBC Studios and JTBC channel.

BBC Studios has announced, at the Broadcast Worldwide (BCWW) 2020 content market in Seoul, the commissioning of the critically acclaimed political drama, Undercover, by JTBC channel, to be re-made by Story TV for audiences in South Korea. This marks the first global format sale for Undercover and the third drama format collaboration between BBC Studios and JTBC channel.

The Korean version of Undercover will be produced in partnership with local drama production company, Story TV and JTBC studios renowned for developing and producing high- quality dramas with creative writers and skilled producers in South Korea.

JTBC’s new commission follows the 2020 agreement between BBC Studios and JTBC for the new South Korean format of The Split.

Undercover is a bold and gripping six-part thriller following the story of Maya - a spirited and passionate barrister at the very top of her profession. Just as Maya’s life comes under intense public scrutiny, she discovers that Nick, her husband and the father of her children, has been lying to her for 20 years. His web of lies threatens to destroy everything she’s worked so hard for – including and most importantly the case she’s based her entire career on. Undercover tackles controversial and challenging issues that impact society on a global scale, with the narrative revealed over different time frames - weaving a tale of corruption, betrayal, and miscarriages of justice.

BBC Studios, SVP, Global Format Sales, Andre Renaud, says: “I am thrilled that we are working with Story TV and JTBC studios to make Undercover our next local drama adaptation in South Korea. Stories that explore strong female characters have been in demand, notably with the recent success of JTBC’s local version of Doctor Foster - The World of the Married – and our recent announcement of JTBC’s commission of The Split. It follows that Undercover is next in line for Korean localisation, and Story TV and JTBC studios have great production talent lined up both on and behind the screen to help bring this story to life.”

Hyoung chul Kim, Executive Producer at JTBC Studios and Jung Mi Kim, Executive Director at Story TV say: “We are happy to be working with BBC Studios, to bring a top British drama to the local market on JTBC channel. We are working with great cast, writers, producers to rebuild the series with a local favour, and we think that Undercover will resonate greatly with South Korean audiences.”

The original series of Undercover is written by critically acclaimed Criminal Justice writer Peter Moffat. It was produced by BBC Studios Production for BBC One and BBC America. In the UK the series peaked with a huge 6.3 million viewers.

Other successful BBC Studios format adaptations in South Korea include Doctor Foster, locally named The World of The Married, Luther, and Life on Mars.