Nahee Kim of MBC America: “We Are Seeking Partners in Latin America to Co-Produce Vertical Format Content”

The collaboration model proposed by MBC America envisions a division of roles that leverages the strengths of both industries.

MBC America, the U.S. subsidiary of one of South Korea’s three major television networks (MBC), is seeking key partners and allies in Latin America. Nahee Kim, Director of Channel & Content Business at MBC America, explained that the company’s main objective is to move into the co-production of vertical-format content, a consumption model experiencing growing demand in the region and one in which the company aims to develop joint projects under a shared intellectual property (IP) structure.

“We currently do not have large-scale production of vertical content, but we are fully aware that there is enormous demand in the Latin American market,” Kim explained. “That is why we believe this is the ideal time to find a strong strategic partner in the region with whom we can launch this new line of business.”

The collaboration model proposed by MBC America involves a division of responsibilities that maximizes the strengths of both industries. The Korean company would contribute its renowned expertise in scripting, development, and production, while the Latin American partner would bring local market knowledge, investment, and valuable creative feedback.

“The great advantage of this project is that we can share both the intellectual property and the production roles,” Kim emphasized. “From Korea, we can handle writing and production, while our partner in Latin America can provide feedback and investment to customize, localize, and adapt the stories and characters to local audience tastes. We even envision an exciting exchange of talent and celebrities from both regions.”

This new focus on vertical formats comes after more than a decade of successfully distributing series and formats throughout the continent. From the early days of the Korean Wave with Spanish-dubbed historical dramas such as Damo in Ecuador, to licensing adaptation rights to major companies like Televisa in Mexico — which will premiere a local adaptation of She Was Pretty in September — the acceptance of Korean content has continued to grow.

“Traditionally, we have focused on dramas and globally successful entertainment formats such as The Masked Singer and Physical: 100,” noted the Director of Channel & Content Business. However, the executive added that MBC America’s catalog continues to evolve with disruptive new offerings now being presented to buyers. “This year we are promoting highly diverse formats, ranging from the long-running mystery and reenactment program TV Surprise, to revolutionary artificial intelligence-based formats such as AI Producer, where AI handles the entire production process, as well as new short-form series like the action drama Undercover High School.”

With an established presence on major OTT platforms across the region such as Claro, ViX, HBO Max, and Pluto TV, as well as growing expansion into areas such as weekly K-pop concert programs and shopping television, MBC America is reaffirming its long-term commitment to the Latin American market with this announcement.

“We are convinced that the co-production of vertical content is an excellent project to develop in Latam, and we are ready to take the next step alongside the right partners,” Kim concluded.