People

Format agency Something Special has named experienced producer Jacob (Jongbin) Han as its new Head of Productions. The announcement marks a major milestone for the company, now celebrating its sixth year, as it gears up for production on the full series of Unforgettable Duet, commissioned by MBN and supported in part by the prestigious KOCCA Fund.

Founded by format veterans Jin Woo Hwang (President & Executive Producer) and InSoon Kim (EVP & Head of Content), Something Special is known for bringing innovative Korean formats to the global stage. With Han stepping into this key role, the company aims to strengthen its production slate and expand its international reach.

Han brings over a decade of experience to the role, including nine years at MBC, where he produced a variety of entertainment and documentary programs. He was named a finalist for Best TV Producer of the Year by the Korean Producers Association in 2021 and received multiple accolades, including Best Programme Awards from both the Korea Communications Agency and MBC, as well as recognition from the Broadcast Critique Foundation for Broadcast Culture.

More recently, Han served as Content Operation Manager at uhomes.com in the UK, where he led a multicultural content team and oversaw creative strategies across Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Thailand. He holds a Master’s degree in Media & Communications from the London School of Economics.

His first project at Something Special will be Unforgettable Duet, an original unscripted series that follows dementia patients and their families on a deeply emotional journey. Families gather cherished mementos and a favorite song to trigger powerful memories, culminating in a shared duet between the patient and a family member. Each episode ends with a moving tribute performance by a popular singer—offering a healing experience rooted in music, memory, and love.

“Something Special is proud to mark our sixth anniversary with the appointment of Jacob Han as Head of Productions,” said Hwang and Kim in a joint statement. “His depth of experience and creative vision will be key as we bring projects like Unforgettable Duet to life and prepare for our next phase of growth.”

Han added, “I’m thrilled to join Jin, InSoon and the Something Special team. The company has been a true pioneer in taking Korean formats global, and I’m honored to produce the full series of Unforgettable Duet, one of last year’s most beloved specials.”