UK Version of 'The Genius' Coming... CJ ENM Exports Format to UK's Largest Private Broadcaster

Growing Interest in K-Variety Show Formats in the UK
Expanding Horizons for K-Formats
"Expecting Broader Overseas Expansion of K-Content"

CJ ENM's hit IP (intellectual property) formats are being exported worldwide. On the 13th, CJ ENM announced, "Recently, the hit IP 'The Genius' was exported as a format to the UK's ITV." The 'UK version of The Genius' will be produced by Remarkable Entertainment, a subsidiary of the global broadcasting content producer Banijay, and is scheduled to air in 2024. This is the first time CJ ENM has exported a format to ITV, the largest private broadcaster in the UK.

The popularity of K-variety shows is increasing in the UK. Previously, CJ ENM's 'I Can See Your Voice' was successfully remade by the UK's public broadcaster BBC. In February, the BBC stated, "K-reality shows offer passionate Hallyu fans a chance to see the 'unadorned essence of Korean culture.'"

'The Genius,' which was exported this time, is a brain survival program featuring players with genius-level abilities from various fields. It first aired in 2013 and ran through season 4. It is called the 'originator of K-brain survival variety shows.' The format has already been exported to the Netherlands. Helen Greatorex, Banijay's format acquisition manager, said, "'The Genius' is an excellent variety show that reflects the spirit of the times by focusing on 'strategic thinking' and 'alliances,' solving problems through 'knowledge' and 'persuasion.'"

Seo Jang-ho, head of CJ ENM's Content Business Division, said, "It is generally accepted that due to cultural and linguistic barriers, it is difficult for variety content to directly enter foreign markets compared to movies and dramas, but through 'format exports,' we are expanding touchpoints with global viewers by having local remakes." He added, "As global viewers become more familiar with K-variety formats, the entry barriers for direct content expansion will also decrease, and the scope of K-content overseas expansion is expected to broaden."