The local version of the successful reality competition will be produced by MBC and B&C Content.
Banijay Rights announced a new adaptation for competition reality format LEGO Masters, with South Korea the latest country onboard.
Leading South Korean network MBC will broadcast and co-produce the format’s Korean debut with LA- and Seoul-based production company B&C Content, and this landmark deal will see LEGO Masters set to become the only non-Korean unscripted format to air on free-to-air television in the country.
Production is currently underway for the hit entertainment format, which sees pairs compete against each other to wow judges with awesome inspiring designs and brick builds.
LEGO Masters is a huge global hit with a 100% renewal rate, with this order now the second to come from Asia in three months, following a recent commission from Shenzhen TV in China.
TVNZ 2 in New Zealand, Atresmedia in Spain and TV 2 in Norway have also recently commissioned adaptations of the format, which has been ordered by a total of 16 international broadcasters across Europe, the US, Australia and Asia. Originally created by Tuesday’s Child Television and the LEGO Group, Banijay globally distributes the format and finished tape for the show.
Daryl Kho, SVP Asia – Formats, Banijay Rights, said: “LEGO Masters is already a global phenomenon, providing upbeat and inclusive viewing to audiences worldwide, so taking this show to South Korea is a thrilling moment for Banijay Rights. This is a landmark deal – the only unscripted format originating from outside South Korea to air on its free-to-air TV channels – and I can’t wait to see the creative builds the Korean contestants will dream up with their LEGO bricks.”
Younghye Kim, Format & Acquisition Manager, MBC said: “We are truly excited to have this stunning show made into a Korean version very soon. The global success of LEGO Masters inspired us to take the show, as we have the utmost confidence that our version of LEGO Masters will be widely loved in Korea and in the global marketplace. Please stay tuned to see how MBC, the leading entertainment creator in the country, will enrich the show with a distinct, local flavour.”
Chris S. Lee, CEO of B&C CONTENT, said: “The timing couldn’t be better for us to create an inspiring and wildly entertaining ‘Korean’ take on the successful LEGO Masters format for a global audience, during a time when demand is massive for Korean stories and content. We are so proud to be working with such phenomenal creative partners like MBC, Banijay Rights and the LEGO Group to launch another exciting milestone for world-class Korean unscripted content.
Jill Wilfert, Head of Global Entertainment, The LEGO Group, added: “There is an awesome community of passionate fans and really talented LEGO builders in Korea and we are so pleased to be able to showcase their creativity and imagination with a local production of LEGO Masters. We are sure families and fans alike will be amazed and inspired.”
Successful productions of LEGO Masters broadcasting so far this year include the US, which proved a major success for FOX as the #1 show among younger viewers (P18-34) and teens, and its second-most streamed entertainment series. The series three finale of LEGO Masters Australia in April dominated the ratings, broadcasting as the number one show of the day in all key demos. The format also had a spectacular debut run in Denmark in April, pulling in a 50.6% share for 15–34-year-olds across the season.
