TV
MBN Sets Sights on 'Authenticity' and 'Global' for 2026 K-Content Upgrade
Kim Si-jung, the head of production at MBN, who has been behind the network's flagship variety shows, shared insights into the strategic projects and production challenges MBN is focusing on this year.
Highlighting 'authenticity' and 'global' as this year's key themes, Kim stated, "I believe authentic programs can offer comfort, fun, and empathy to viewers. Additionally, broadcasts should provide content that all age groups can enjoy. In this regard, we are preparing to launch upgraded K-market content based on authenticity and global appeal, targeting not only domestic but also international audiences. We aim to create stories that both viewers and the global market need, rather than just consuming K-content."
MBN's key projects for the first half of the year include two major shows.
Kicking off the lineup is 'Cheonha Baking,' a K-bakery survival program premiering on the 1st of next month. 'Cheonha Baking' is the first and largest K-bakery survival show in the country, aiming to select the world's best baker, transcending simple food to become a trend-setting 'K-bread' phenomenon. The show features 72 pastry chefs from around the world, including renowned masters, global patissiers, and innovative 'underground' bakers, competing in a global showdown. Actress Lee Da-hee will host, with judges including No Hee-young, chef Kwon Sung-joon, master Lee Seok-won, patissier Kim Na-rae, and Oh My Girl's Mimi.
Kim Si-jung commented, "'Cheonha Baking' goes beyond a simple bakery survival show to support the dreams of ordinary citizens preparing for entrepreneurship, embedding stories in the bread they bake," announcing the birth of an authentic K-bakery survival content.
Additionally, on the 25th of next month, 'Legend of the Unknown - Trot Men's Rank War' (hereafter 'Legend of the Unknown') is set to shake up the male trot audition scene. 'Legend of the Unknown' is a massive trot audition open to any male who loves trot, regardless of age, nationality, or experience, making it a hot topic. Kim noted, "What sets us apart from existing trot competition programs is the battle between the unknown and the active. It will provide unknowns with a chance to make a name for themselves and legends with the opportunity and courage to become legends again. MBN plans to produce various genres of K-content beyond the trot genre, so stay tuned. Think of it as an upgraded version 2 of existing K-content."
Kim stated, "By 2026, we aim to hear people say, 'MBN has become new.' We plan to change the content lineup by dedicating 'Mon-Tue-Wed' to existing viewers and 'Thu-Fri-Sat-Sun' to attract young and new audiences. We also plan to expand our viewing demographic to a younger audience through specialized internal personnel placement. We might even consider a custom content studio that produces content representing the 2049 demographic and what consumers want."
Regarding AI technology advancement, he emphasized, "We will gradually introduce global battle programs incorporating AI technology, as well as K-beauty and K-idol auditions targeting overseas markets."
By Ryu Ye-ji, TenAsia Reporter ryuperstar@tenasia.co.kr
