Korean Dramas Headed to SBS Australia

O4 Media has inked a deal with the Special Broadcasting Service Australia (SBS) for two Korean drama series from CJ ENM to become available on the SBS On Demand streaming service.

The deal includes Chimera, starring Park Hae-soo of Squid Game. The thriller series follows a suspenseful chase for the truth behind long-dormant serial explosion murders known as Chimera, as a formidable detective, profiler and mid-career surgeon embark on a quest with their distinct motives, reuniting after 35 years.

Also part of the pact, the crime drama Blind stars Taecyeon, known for his recent villain role from Vincenzo. Produced by Studio Dragon, the series follows a story of unjust victims turned ordinary citizens and perpetrators who turn a blind eye to the uncomfortable truth.

Gary Pudney, founder and managing director of O4 Media, said: “This is really exciting for us. We have an office in Australia and have been tracking the growing appetite Australians have for K-drama from last year. We believe in the power of storytelling, and Korean dramas offer a unique and captivating window into Korean culture. Through this deal, we hope to bring our audience closer to the diverse and fascinating world of Korean entertainment.”

Sebastian Kim, the director of content distribution at CJ ENM, added: “The expansion of the series to additional regions stands as a testament to its potential to captivate and engage audiences on a broader scale, and we are excited to be able to captivate the imagination of Australian viewers. CJ ENM aims to bolster its influence in the market based on our strong reputation for delivering exceptional stories and upholding rigorous production standards.”

Alex Walkden, programmer for SBS On Demand and SBS World Movies, Special Broadcast Service, said: “We are thrilled to announce our recent acquisition of the acclaimed series Chimera and Blind through O4 Media. These gripping shows, with their captivating storylines, will bring the world of K-drama directly to the screens of Australian viewers. We look forward to launching them on SBS On Demand in the coming months so that all K-drama enthusiasts and new viewers to the genre can appreciate the artistry and significance of Korean television.”