TRA Media Inks Multi-Title Deal with JKN

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TRA Media, which owns and operates four pay-TV channels in South Korea, has acquired 265 hours of Thai dramas through a deal with JKN Global Media.

Per the deal, TRA Media has picked up the BEC World-produced series Love Destiny, Nakee, Thong Ek–The Herbal Master, Love Beyond Time, Tales of The Two Cities, Kom Faek–The Lost Art, The Crown Princess and Waves of Life. The drama series will be aired in Thai with Korean subtitles.

TRA Media will program the Thai dramas on its entertainment channel SMILE Plus, available on cable, IPTV and satellite TV; and its TVA Plus channel, an Asian drama channel that is distributed through cable in South Korea. The partnership between TRA Media and JKN, the first between the two companies, marks for the first time in Thai broadcast history that Thai drama will be televised in South Korea.

Anne Jakrajutatip, CEO of JKN Global Media, said: “South Korea has been able to export its content globally with resounding success, so it is a great honor to bring Thai dramas to South Korea. It reflects the high standards of Thai productions; how Thai producers have evolved its storytelling to appeal to a highly sophisticated market like Korea. I am confident the Korean audience will enjoy the mega-hit dramas that have been selected by TRA Media, and its success will earmark the demand for more top-class Thai content in many more markets in Asia and beyond.”

Ariya Banomyong, president of BEC, said: “Being the first Thai content to broadcast on Korea’s SMILE Plus and TVA Plus channels is one of our greatest prides. This shows that not only has our quality content been accepted internationally, but it also leads to opportunities for Korean viewers to explore more about Thai culture, food, costume and many beautiful attractions in Thailand through our content. We hope it helps encourage Korean people to visit Thailand. This is the first step to make our content known in Korea. BEC World is starting to expand its footprint, with drama content now distributed to countries like China, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, and now Korea. More to come.”

Henry Kim, VP of TRA Media, added: “TRA Media is very excited to introduce high-quality Thai mega-hit series produced by BEC to viewers in Korea for the first time. Each production has strong storytelling and compelling elements that should appeal to Korean audiences. It is also my hope that Korean viewers will have a better appreciation of Thai culture viewing the drama series; and with its success, to spark greater cultural exchanges between Thailand and Korea.”