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| (Image Source: Variety/BBC Studios) |
BBC Studios Asia has announced “12 Seas”, its first co-production with Studio JanChi. This four-part series is the result of an initiative agreed by KOCCA and BBC Studios last year to co-produce, co-develop and distribute Korean factual content to the globe. Studio JanChi successfully won the pitch with their compelling series proposal which will help take Korean stories to a wider global audience. This co-production comes hot on the heels of the recent success of “Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji Hyo’s Haenyeo Adventure” which saw BBC Studios Asia co-produce its first original series with JTBC.
BBC Studios Asia will broadcast “12 Seas” (working title) on BBC Earth and BBC Player across Asia in 2026. Travel and adventure content is truly part of BBC Earth’s DNA and this title is part of BBC Studios Asia’s commitment to content featuring Asian talent, locations and stories. BBC Studios will handle distribution globally outside of Korea while Studio JanChi holds its domestic broadcast rights. The series will see adventurous duo and culinary superstars Chef Edward Lee and actor Ryu Sooyoung traversing South Korea’s coastline across four seasons and will unveil the secrets behind the country’s most iconic seafood dishes. From braving the rocky shores to harvest wild seaweed using the “Ttulidae” method, to joining local fishermen as they catch anchovies with centuriesold bamboo fish traps, Edward and Ryu immerse themselves in Korea’s rich maritime heritage and discover how seafood isn’t just food in Korea – it’s deeply ingrained in the culture.
BBC Studios Asia Senior Vice President of Content Ryan Shiotani said, “Studio JanChi are leading producers of K-food titles and we were immediately drawn to their concept for 12 Seas which will offer BBC Earth audiences a new perspective on Korea and its seafood through the eyes of acclaimed chef Edward Lee and his foodie accomplice Ryu Soo-young. We are grateful to KOCCA for their support and look forward to bringing BBC Studios’ global expertise and creative approach to the partnership.” Studio JanChi CEO Heonseok Baek added, “We’re thrilled to be working on this title with BBC Studios aer our winning pitch last year. With three distinct seas, home to one of the world’s five largest tidal flats, and over 3,000 islands, the story of seafood and the ocean is inseparable from Korea and we’re looking forward to telling this story to audiences in Asia and beyond with BBC Studios.”
