Mediacorp expands regional co-production strategy into microdramas with Studio S and Soonshot
Four-title Singapore-Korea slate kicks off with a short-form adaptation of hit SBS drama Still 17
Singapore, 15 September 2026 – Mediacorp is expanding its regional co-production strategy into the fast-growing microdrama space through a new partnership with Studio S, the drama production and distribution arm of Korean broadcaster SBS (Seoul Broadcasting System), and Soonshot, a short-form K-drama platform co-founded by Korean comedian Lee Kyung Kyu. Together, the three organisations will develop a slate of four short-form productions featuring Singapore and Korean talent.
The collaboration was formalised today at Broadcast Worldwide (BCWW) in Seoul by Virginia Lim, Chief Content and Talent Officer, Mediacorp; Hong Sung Chang, CEO, Studio S; and Lee Kyung Kyu, Co-Founder, Soonshot. The partnership brings together Mediacorp’s cross-cultural storytelling capabilities, Studio S’ deep expertise in Korean drama and Soonshot’s high-tech, digital-first platform to harness the creative power of Singapore and Korea, delivering premium Asian storytelling in innovative formats that meet rapidly evolving consumer habits, mobile-first viewing preferences and the growing demand for short-form entertainment for a new generation of viewers.
Leading the four-title slate is the microdrama adaptation of hit Korean romantic comedy Still 17. A fan favourite since its 2018 debut, the series will be reimagined for the short-form format, and is targeted for release by the end of 2026. The remaining three titles will be announced progressively.
All four productions will feature Singapore and Korean actors, with casting currently underway. They will be available across Mediacorp’s platforms and Soonshot, with plans for international distribution – bringing these cross-cultural collaborations to audiences beyond Singapore and Korea.
The partnership marks a further expansion of Mediacorp’s international co-production strategy beyond traditional long-form content, as the company continues to explore new formats, platforms and audience segments. It also strengthens Mediacorp’s pipeline of Asian content with global appeal, while forging new pathways for Singapore creative talent and capabilities to reach international audiences.
Virginia Lim, Chief Content and Talent Officer, Mediacorp, said: “Microdrama is an exciting growth area and our focus is to approach the format with clear creative and strategic intent. As viewing behaviours continue to evolve, we see the potential to develop premium quality microdramas that bring together strong storytelling, high production values and broad audience appeal. Working with partners allows us to exchange ideas and experiment with new approaches. This helps us build a stronger pipeline of short form IP, create new opportunities for talent and deliver compelling entertainment designed for today’s viewing habits.”
Hong Sung Chang, CEO, Studio S, said: “We aim to build on Studio S’s accumulated expertise in drama production and expand it into the microdrama format, creating a new storytelling language for content,” he said. “We will also actively leverage emerging technologies, including AI, to strengthen our production capabilities, while continuing to expand global distribution and reach audiences worldwide.”
Lee Kyung Kyu, Co-Founder, Soonshot, said: “Over more than 40 years in broadcasting, I have learned that the true power of content ultimately comes from a good story. I believe that, following the global success of K-dramas, K-short-form content also has the potential to grow into a genre loved by audiences around the world, and I am delighted to take this first step together with Studio S and Mediacorp.”
Further details on the four microdramas, including casting and release dates, will be announced in due course.
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