A+E Global Media is putting its full weight behind a Korean romantic comedy called Oh! My Guard, starring K-pop star Jung Yong-hwa and actress Hong Seung-hee. The studio is investing in and distributing the series worldwide, and it has already licensed the show for release in 83 countries, including Asian streamer Viu.
The series launches next month on Lifetime Korea. It follows Um Tae-bong, a melodramatic star with a devastating secret, and a woman who, after an accident, comes to believe she is the heroine of his drama. That belief sets the stage for an unpredictable romance.
The Stars Behind the Show
Jung Yong-hwa brings a huge following as a member of K-pop band CNBLUE. Hong Seung-hee has appeared in several recent Korean films, including Just Dance, Navillera and Move to Heaven.
The pairing of the two is described as “fresh,” and the studio clearly sees it as a draw.
What A+E Says About the Show
Youngsun Soh, Managing Director of A+E Korea, said the studio was “drawn to its inventive premise, the fresh pairing of Jung Yong-hwa and Hong Seung-hee, and director Yoon Jong-ho’s sophisticated direction.”
“We are thrilled to bring Oh! My Guard to audiences around the world.”
A+E is selling the show at MIPCOM Cannes, the global market for television buyers. Last year the company rebranded from A+E Networks.
Why A+E Is Betting on Korea
The studio is prioritizing Korea. By backing Oh! My Guard, it is combining elements of Korean drama, romantic comedy and K-pop fandom into one package.
A+E said it “recognized the series’ potential to bring together the nuanced emotional storytelling associated with Korean dramas, the buoyant pace of romantic comedy and the international fandom surrounding Korean actors and K-pop stars.”
The show launches next month. It will be interesting to see how audiences respond to this unusual premise.
The Creative Team
Oh! My Guard is produced by Syn & Studio and People Story Company. The script is by Byun Sang-soon, and it is directed by Yoon Jong-ho and Lee Seung-hoon.
Yoon Jong-ho recently directed the hit K-drama Lovely Runner.
The Distribution Plan
The show launches next month on Lifetime Korea. A+E is selling it at MIPCOM Cannes, and the global distribution is already locked in.
Here is what stands out about the distribution plan:
- The show is licensed for release in 83 countries
- Asian streamer Viu is among the licensed territories
- A+E is selling the show at MIPCOM Cannes
The global distribution is notable. Viu’s involvement means the show has a strong Asian presence.
For A+E, this is a chance to showcase Korean storytelling on a global scale. The studio is betting that the combination of romance, comedy and K-pop appeal will travel.
Source material: “A+E Global Media Backs Lifetime Korea Series ‘Oh! My Guard’ Starring K-Pop Performer Jung Yong-hwa & Hong Seung-hee,” Deadline.
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