Format

CJ ENM used the Korea International Streaming Festival (KISF) to highlight the international rise of K-variety programming and its strategy for expanding Korean unscripted formats in global markets. The company hosted a special session titled The Global Success Strategy of K-Variety Shows, moderated by Sehee Jang, Head of Business Development & Global Awards at CJ ENM. The panel featured Sun-young Lee, Chief Producer of Mnet’s Couple Palace, Won-woong Lee, Chief Producer of tvN’s I Am Boxer, and Professor Jung-Hwan Kim from Korea University’s School of Media and Communication.
The discussion examined the evolution of K-variety from a domestic television genre into an internationally recognised content category, focusing on the growing demand for Korean unscripted storytelling, opportunities for format adaptations, and strategies to maintain global momentum.

During the session, the producers shared insights into the creation of Couple Palace and I Am Boxer, both of which have been submitted for consideration in the 2026 International Emmy® Awards competition. The panel also spotlighted the global achievements of the two formats. Couple Palace became the first Korean entertainment programme to win Gold in the Light Entertainment category at the 2025 Venice TV Awards and has since secured remake option agreements across 10 European territories. I Am Boxer has expanded its international reach through distribution on Disney+, underscoring the growing appetite for Korean unscripted content among global audiences.

Professor Kim noted that South Korea has evolved over the past decade from a content-exporting market into a leading creator of globally adaptable entertainment formats, reflecting the increasing influence of Korean creativity on the international media business.
“With the growing global demand for Korean unscripted content, K-variety is no longer simply a successful local genre but a globally competitive format category,” said Sehee Jang. “By combining creative storytelling with strategic partnerships and format expertise, CJ ENM will continue to expand the global footprint of K-variety and help shape the next chapter of the Korean Wave.”