Format

Something Special is heading to MIPCOM 2026 with a new slate of Korean unscripted formats spanning inspirational reality, talent competitions and family-focused factual entertainment, led by the second season of Unforgettable Duet. Created and executive produced by Something Special founder and CEO Jin Woo Hwang and co-CEO and chief business officer InSoon Kim, Unforgettable Duet S2 will premiere on MBN in Korea on October 31, introducing a new generative AI element called Reminiscence Memory.

The emotional unscripted format follows people living with dementia and their family members as they revisit meaningful memories through music. Each episode features a renowned Korean singer, known as the Memory Singer, who accompanies a family on a journey down memory lane. The participant living with dementia then performs a duet with a family member, followed by a tribute performance from the Memory Singer. The second season incorporates Reminiscence Memory, an approach exploring how generative AI can be used to support memory-trigger experiences for people living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. The technology uses images, photographs and interview materials provided by participants to create personalised visual representations inspired by significant memories and personal records. With support from the Korea Communications Agency (KCA), MBN and Something Special have developed the concept as part of the Unforgettable Duet format. The project explores how generative AI could be applied beyond entertainment, with a focus on memory recall, emotional connection and potential social impact.

Hwang said: “Something Special is thrilled to bring a diverse slate of outstanding Korean original formats to MIPCOM this year. This October in Korea, we are especially excited to premiere Season 2 of our heartwarming format Unforgettable Duet, featuring an innovative new element exploring the use of generative AI to support memory-trigger experiences for people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. We invite the international industry to take a closer look at the powerful and positive possibilities this emerging technology can offer. Our sales team, Hayoung and Courtney, will be in Cannes to showcase this exciting new content, alongside a carefully curated selection of Korean formats spanning entertainment and talent competitions, inspirational reality, and fun, family-focused travel. Something Special has built its reputation on bringing distinctive, high-quality original Korean formats to audiences around the world, and we are proud to continue pushing creative boundaries and exploring new ways to connect Korean storytelling with the global market.”

The wider MIPCOM slate includes The Underdogs: Top Dog Project, a reality survival competition pairing abandoned dogs with people who have experienced setbacks. Guided by expert trainers, the teams face increasingly demanding missions designed to build trust while exploring themes of resilience, healing and redemption.
The Scout is a singing talent competition created and executive produced by Korean recording artist Lee Seung-chul, who also serves as a Main Master. Rather than eliminating contestants, superstar Masters scout promising vocalists and oversee their development with the help of specialists in music production, performance, styling and artist management.

Meanwhile, From Unknown to Legend places 99 singers across a five-floor Ranking Tower based on public recognition rather than ability. Contestants compete through missions and audience voting, with masked established artists competing alongside newcomers. The format is designed as a flexible franchise that can also be adapted to other entertainment fields, including acting, dance and comedy.
Family and intergenerational connections feature in two further titles. Granny Goes Global follows grandparents travelling internationally to reconnect with the family members they miss most, combining reunion, discovery and travel. The nine-episode format is produced by JWonder for EBS South Korea. Finally, Suspicious Guesthouse: Unforgettable Trip is a factual entertainment format in which people living with dementia become guesthouse managers and invite their families to stay with them. Through shared meals, conversations and everyday experiences, the series explores family relationships, care and reconnection.

Something Special’s sales team, including Hayoung Rhee and Courtney Boyett, will present the slate at the KOCCA stand R7.E1/R7.E2 during MIPCOM 2026.