Korean Variety Show 'Running Man' Enters US Market Through Partnership with Hellcat
The iconic long-running Korean variety show ‘Running Man’ is officially entering the US market, further expanding its influence as global content. According to foreign media reports, the ‘Running Man’ format will be localized in collaboration with US production company Hellcat. This marks a significant milestone as a Korean variety show moves beyond Asia to enter the mainstream North American broadcasting landscape.
This US expansion is seen as proof that the unique game format and the chemistry between the cast members of ‘Running Man’ resonate with audiences worldwide. The US version of ‘Running Man,’ to be produced in collaboration with Hellcat, will be reconstructed to fit local viewer sentiments and broadcasting trends. Industry attention is focused on how the show’s signature dynamic chase sequences and mission-based gameplay will be adapted for the local market.
‘Running Man’ has established itself as an icon of K-Variety, enjoying explosive popularity across Asia for years. Having already seen its format remade and exported to various countries, this move into the US market is expected to be the pinnacle of its successful global journey. As the US broadcasting market is the center of the global content industry, the success of this project is expected to be a key benchmark for the speed at which future Korean variety content enters North America.
With the recent surge in demand for K-Content alongside the expansion of global OTT platforms, the export of variety show formats is becoming as active as that of dramas and films. ‘Running Man’s’ decision demonstrates that the unique entertainment elements of Korean variety shows are highly competitive in the global market. As it is being produced through close cooperation with a local production company, there is keen interest in how the distinct sensibility of Korean variety will be implemented locally.
Industry experts believe that ‘Running Man’s’ entry into the US will present a new business model for Korean production companies. Moving away from simply selling finished content, the strategy of co-developing and co-producing proven formats with local partners is considered an efficient way to reduce risks while quickly establishing a foothold in the local market. This is expected to serve as a vital bridgehead for more Korean variety shows to enter the global market in the future.
Ultimately, ‘Running Man’s’ US expansion suggests that K-Content is leaping into the global mainstream in the variety genre, transcending the limitations of dramas and films. It will serve as an opportunity to introduce the fun of Korean variety to viewers worldwide while further elevating Korea’s status in the global content market. The upcoming production process and local reception of the US version of ‘Running Man’ are expected to provide new excitement for global K-Content fans and once again confirm the power of Korean variety shows.
