On the 1st, top-tier K-content studio KT Studio Genie (CEO Jung Geun-wook) announced that it has signed a strategic cooperation agreement for co-planning and production of dramas with global K-drama production company ASTORY. Through this partnership, the two companies plan to showcase more differentiated storytelling and high-quality drama content, and jointly venture into global markets, as well as domestic and international OTT and broadcasting platforms.
Additionally, the companies will accelerate their efforts to expand collaboration with outstanding creators and produce high-quality content, as well as jointly developing global super IP (premium content), which will enhance their competitive portfolios. The two companies aim to co-produce more than three premium dramas over the next three years. As a signal of this, they are currently co-producing the new Genie TV original drama 'Idol Eye' (directed by Lee Kwang-young, written by Kim Da-rin), starring Choi Soo-young and Kim Jae-young, which is set to air in the latter half of this year.
Meanwhile, this cooperation is based on the successful collaboration experience of the two companies, including 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo' (2022), 'Day of Kidnapping' (2023), 'Flowers Bloom in Sand' (2023), and 'Crash' (2024). In particular, 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo' recorded a historic audience rating of 17.5% for ENA drama and topped Netflix globally, creating a 'Woo Young-woo syndrome' worldwide and showcasing new possibilities for K-content. 'Crash' gained explosive viewer love with its new and fresh materials, detailed storyline, and charming characters, leading to the confirmation of its season 2 production. Based on their past partnerships and achievements, the two companies are planning to solidify this strategic business partnership and actively pursue joint productions of overseas projects as well as IP business expansion.
Jung Geun-wook, CEO of KT Studio Genie, noted, "Through the synergy of the two companies, we aim to present more innovative and emotional content to further elevate the status of K-content in the global market," adding, "We will accelerate the expansion of KT Studio Genie's premium portfolio, including the upcoming 'Idol Eye' scheduled to air in the latter half of this year."
Lee Sang-baek, CEO of ASTORY, said, "Through our cooperation with KT Studio Genie, we have been able to build a stronger and more sustainable partnership based on accumulated know-how and trust," adding, "We will do our best to ensure that the premium K-dramas we develop together can deliver new joy and emotion to domestic and global audiences."
KT Studio Genie is a top-tier content studio in Korea that has established itself as a new powerhouse in K-drama by consistently presenting hit works of various genres, including 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo,' the 'New Recruit' series, 'Paper Moon,' 'Dynamite,' and 'Your Honor.' It plans to expand various forms of business cooperation with production companies in the future.
ASTORY is a global content production company that has produced works such as 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo,' 'Big Mouth,' 'Kingdom,' and 'Day of Kidnapping.' It is currently progressing with the production of multiple dramas such as 'Prison Bars,' 'Ambush,' and 'Su-seong Palace: Secret Chronicle,' focusing on original IP development and content production.
Meanwhile, this strategic cooperation between the two companies is expected to bring about further innovation and growth in the K-content market.
[Photo] KT Studio Genie, ASTORY
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