BBC Studios Asia is teaming up with Studio JanChi, a company known for its engaging Korean food shows, to create a new four-part series called “12 Seas.” This series will dive into South Korea’s seafood culture, showcasing the country’s unique culinary traditions.
The collaboration originated from a partnership formed with the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) last year, aimed at sharing Korean stories worldwide. Studio JanChi’s compelling pitch won them this partnership, allowing them to expand their storytelling to global audiences.
In “12 Seas,” Chef Edward Lee and actor Ryu Soo-young will explore South Korea’s coastline over four seasons. They’ll uncover the secrets behind popular seafood dishes, from harvesting wild seaweed using an age-old method to joining fishermen who catch anchovies with traditional bamboo traps. This journey promises to highlight Korea’s rich maritime heritage.
Ryan Shiotani, senior VP of Content at BBC Studios Asia, expressed excitement about this project. He believes it will offer viewers fresh insights into Korea’s seafood landscape through the lens of its talented chef and actor. Shiotani also thanked KOCCA for their support in making this vision a reality.
Heonseok Baek, CEO of Studio JanChi, echoed this enthusiasm. He emphasized Korea’s diverse marine environment, with its vast tidal flats and numerous islands, making seafood an integral part of the culture. Baek looks forward to sharing these stories with audiences both in Asia and beyond.
This new series follows the success of “Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji Hyo’s Haenyeo Adventure,” BBC Studios Asia’s first original show with JTBC. This highlights the firm’s commitment to investing in Korean content and talent.
“12 Seas” is set to air on BBC Earth and BBC Player across Asia in 2026. While Studio JanChi will manage Korean broadcasting, BBC Studios will oversee global distribution.
Interestingly, food content continues to gain popularity. In a recent survey, 75% of people stated they enjoy watching cooking shows, indicating a growing interest in culinary arts. Programs like this not only entertain but also foster cultural connections, as shared meals have historically brought people together.
Studio JanChi, part of ELTV, is focused on food storytelling. Their name, which means “feast” in Korean, reflects their mission to create content that connects people through food. By blending rich narratives with cultural insights, they are shaping a unique space in the world of food-related entertainment.
For more information about BBC Studios, you can check their site here.
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