Seoul-based format production agency Something Special is set for expansion following an investment round led by South Korean venture capital firm Daekyo Investment and supported by private investment company SB Partners.

The amount of the investment, announced today, has not been disclosed and details of Something Special’s growth plans have not yet been confirmed.

Something Special was founded in 2019 by Jin Woo Hwang (President & Executive Producer) and InSoon Kim (EVP & Head of Content).

The investment follows the production of Something Special’s “Unforgettable Duet”, which has been commissioned for a full 10-episode series by MBN. The show about dementia patients who are inspired to remember by singing favourite songs first aired on MBN as a prime-time special and was among the highest-rated new unscripted show launches in 2024, Something Special said in today’s announcement.

“Unforgettable Duet” has also been optioned for Australia and New Zealand in a deal with Helium Pictures agreed in December 2024, following options for “Battle in the Box” in 23 territories and “Still Alive” in 11 territories.

Something Special represents a slate of international formats in Korea, including All3Media International’s “Traitors”.