‘Still 17’ and ‘Business Proposal’ to become Korea’s first short dramas — why StudioS teamed up with Lee Kyung-kyu

K-dramas evolve to capture the global short-form ecosystem

StudioS, the SBS Media Group’s core drama production and distribution company, is making a full-scale push into the production of short dramas, also known as microdramas, a major trend in the global media market. The move breaks decisively from the traditional format of 60-minute dramas and anticipates the changing way viewers consume content.

StudioS officially announced on the 16th that it had signed a multilateral strategic partnership with Mediacorp, Singapore’s largest media company, and Soonshot, a platform specializing in short dramas. Soonshot has drawn particular attention because it is operated by ADG Company, whose co-founder is broadcaster Lee Kyung-kyu.

The project centers on reinventing mega-hit intellectual property whose global appeal has already been proven. SBS hits including the romantic comedy Business Proposal, which starred Ahn Hyo-seop and Kim Se-jeong and became a major sensation, and Still 17, which showcased the performances of Shin Hye-sun and Yang Se-jong, will be fully adapted to the fast-paced format designed for short-form viewing.

The project goes beyond a simple format conversion and targets global expansion from the casting stage. The newly produced short-drama versions will feature talented actors from South Korea and Singapore, creating an ensemble that crosses borders. The move could serve as a springboard for building a new short-form content ecosystem spanning Asia.