BBC Studios and JTBC partner for 'Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji-Hyo's Haenyeo Adventure'

BBC Studios and JTBC have announced their collaboration on the production of "Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji-Hyo’s Haenyeo Adventure." This marks BBC Studios' first original production in Korea and their first co-production with JTBC. The show will air on JTBC in South Korea and BBC Earth across Asia.

The series will follow Korean star Song Ji-hyo as she embarks on a challenging journey to free dive with the haenyeo female sea fishers. These women, some in their 80s, dive up to 20 meters without equipment to gather shellfish. Song Ji-hyo, in her 40s, will undergo intensive training to become a haenyeo in just one month, a process that usually takes 30 years.

Through the show, viewers will get an inside look at the haenyeo community, their techniques, and the stunning landscape of Jeju Island. Song Ji-hyo aims to reveal a different side of herself and showcase the unique culture of Korea through this experience.

BBC Studios Asia and JTBC are excited about this collaboration, recognizing Korea's significance in content production. The documentary aims to introduce the haenyeo culture to a global audience and set a new standard for international content production.

The show will premiere on BBC Earth's 'Asia Hour' every Sunday at 9pm SGT, joining their lineup of travel and adventure content. BBC Studios Asia is committed to creating more Asia-related content through partnerships with local production companies.

Jeju's haenyeo culture was recognized by UNESCO in 2016 for its cultural value. BBC Studios, the commercial arm of the BBC, is known for its global production and distribution of premium content. JTBC is a prominent Korean content creator with hits like "Itaewon Class" and "Single’s Inferno."

BBC Earth, with an audience of 60 million in Asia, offers documentaries in natural history, science, and travel genres. The show aims to captivate viewers with compelling storytelling about our planet.