In a groundbreaking collaboration, NAKD SEOUL, DKDKTV, and Somos Media debuted on June 10 their original content series, ‘Ramyun & Chill,’ on ABS-CBN’s esteemed TFC (The Filipino Channel). iWantTFC VOD, MYX linear channel and TFC IPTV VOD in the Philippines and globally. This revolutionary dating show, combining Korean IP and transmedia storytelling, promises to captivate audiences with its unique blend of cross-cultural romance and global perspectives, pushing the boundaries of international entertainment.
Drawing inspiration from the success of previous YouTube collaborations, ‘Ramyun & Chill’ brings together a diverse panel of influencers, including renowned YouTube personalities Megan Moon, Jin & Hattie, BRISxLIFE, and DKDKTV themselves. This exciting Korean IP production spans three days and four nights, following the journeys of five multinational women and five Korean men as they navigate cultural and linguistic differences in their quest for love and understanding.
Kim Kyung-soo, the lead producer of the Ramyun and Chill Project and a part-time professor at Daegu Cyber University, expressed the project’s goal of showcasing the triumph over cultural and linguistic barriers through the interactions between Korean men and multinational women while incorporating captivating elements from traditional dating reality shows. Kim remarked, “Our aim was to transcend the linear narrative of reality programs by introducing a unique concept that fosters global cultural dialogue. We accomplished this by featuring successful YouTubers engaged in international marriages, such as Megan Moon and Jin and Hattie. Through their personal experiences and interactions, we aimed to showcase diverse perspectives and promote understanding among different cultures.”
The project’s innovative approach has not only attracted attention from YouTube enthusiasts but also industry professionals. Through a successful Kickstarter campaign, ‘Ramyun & Chill’ raised an impressive $40,000 USD (approximately 55 million Korean won) in pre-production funding, demonstrating the passion and support of a global audience. Moreover, the series garnered investments from renowned North American production companies, including Somos Media and Jellow Quake Production, further validating its potential for expansion into Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms and traditional broadcasting networks.
Anticipation continues to mount as NAKD SEOUL and DKDKTV gear up to participate in VidCon, the largest creator festival in the United States, scheduled for Anaheim in 2023. This strategic move not only showcases their commitment to growth and innovation but also opens doors for exploring new business opportunities and global collaborations, expanding the transmedia reach of ‘Ramyun & Chill’ to wider audiences.
The recognition for ‘Ramyun & Chill’ doesn’t end there. In May 2023, the second season of the series was selected as a finalist in the Creator Media Production Support Project by the Ministry of Science and ICT (Information and Communication Technology) and the Korea Radio Promotion Association. This prestigious recognition further solidifies the project’s ability to push boundaries and establish new benchmarks within the creative media landscape.
As ‘Ramyun & Chill’ prepares to captivate screens worldwide through ABS-CBN’s iWantTFC VOD, MYX linear channel and TFC IPTV VOD, it signifies a significant milestone not only for NAKD SEOUL, DKDKTV, and ABS-CBN but also for multicultural representation and international storytelling. By harnessing the power of Korean IP and leveraging transmedia platforms, ‘Ramyun & Chill’ aims to captivate a global audience and deliver a refreshing and relatable viewing experience that resonates with fans of webtoons and diverse OTT content.
Lee Han-jong, CEO of Naked Seoul, highlighted the startup’s expertise in global creative IP planning and marketing, along with its strength in community services. He shared the company’s commitment to supporting domestic startups and local brands seeking entry into the North American market. Additionally, he emphasized the potential of the transmedia market, particularly in the burgeoning stages of web novels and webtoons in North America. Lee added, “Starting with Ramyun and Chill, we will uncover promising Korean stories and characters, enhance their value, and create examples of expansion into various media formats in the North American and global markets.”
