Baek Jong-won's 'Les Misérables' Ventures into Global Markets

'Baek Jong-won's Les Misérables' is making its way into the global market.

The show, planned by ENA, will be available on Chinese OTT platforms FET friDay Video and iQIYI, as well as Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern OTT platform Viu. It will also be broadcast on the K-content specialized paid channel ONE, part of Singapore's KC Global Media.

This marks the first entry of ENA's original content into the Middle Eastern market, and being available in 21 countries including China, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Middle East is a significant achievement in the entertainment industry.

'Baek Jong-won's Les Misérables' features 20 challengers who undertake rigorous Spartan-style missions to seize a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a life turnaround. The show is a growth reality program filled with epic narratives and authenticity. Chefs who gained popularity from 'Black and White Chef' have been cast, drawing significant attention even before its premiere. The much-anticipated first episode aired on September 30 at 8:30 PM.

In the premiere, Baek Jong-won and head chefs Kim Min-sung, David Lee, Lim Tae-hoon, and Yoon Nam-no meet the 20 challengers, each with unique stories. The appearance of a juvenile thief sparked public debate, with some criticizing it for glamorizing crime.

Shin Jae-hyung, Head of Content Strategy at ENA, stated, "'Baek Jong-won's Les Misérables' is expected to spark a new K-content wave in the global market with its fresh and unique concept of a '100-day life-changing reality' for aspiring restaurateurs." He added, "ENA will continue to discover differentiated and high-quality IPs and distribute them across various domestic and international platforms to expand our IP business."

'Baek Jong-won's Les Misérables' airs every Saturday at 8:30 PM.

Reporter Lee So-jung, TenAsia forusojung@tenasia.co.kr