Humans of Korea

Tag: k-media

  • Have You Heard of Boom? The Funniest Man in Korea (and the Wisest One, Too)

    Have You Heard of Boom? The Funniest Man in Korea (and the Wisest One, Too)

    Korea’s media and entertainment industry is rapidly expanding its influence on the global stage. From K-pop and K-dramas to variety shows and films, Korean content continues to captivate audiences around the world. As the industry evolves, it is not only exporting culture, but also reshaping the global entertainment landscape itself. 

    Known for his vibrant energy, quick wit, and ability to light up any stage, Boom (Lee Min-ho) is one of Korea’s most beloved television personalities. With a career spanning over two decades as a singer, MC, radio DJ, and entertainer, Boom has become a household name through his appearances on countless variety shows and live events. Behind the laughter and dynamic performances is a seasoned professional with a deep understanding of people, culture, and the ever-evolving world of Korean entertainment. In this interview, Boom shares his insights on the global reach of Korean content, the lessons he’s learned from working with people of all kinds, and the cultural experiences that have shaped his worldview.

    This is a photo of entertainer, Boom (Minho Lee).

    (Photo credit: JG STAR)

    You’ve worked with people from many different backgrounds and personalities throughout your broadcasting career. What are some lessons you’ve learned or perspectives that have changed as a result of those experiences?

    Boom: Absolutely. When we are broadcasting, we really do meet all kinds of people. There were times when I thought, “Oh, this person is really quiet, will they be okay on camera?” And other times, someone had such a big personality that it took some balancing to make the show flow smoothly. But what I’ve learned over the years is that everyone has something special about them, something that shines. And depending on how I help bring that out on the show, the whole vibe can change completely. That’s why I try not to judge people at first glance anymore. Not just as Boom the entertainer, but as Minho Lee the person, I feel like I’ve grown a lot in how I see and connect with others. Moving forward, I hope I can continue to meet people without bias, recognize their unique light, and help them shine even brighter through what I do.

    You’ve had the chance to meet people from diverse cultures and travel to many countries for overseas schedules. Were there any moments of culture shock or particularly memorable cross-cultural experiences that stood out to you?

    Boom: Oh, there are so many! One that really sticks with me is from a trip to Sri Lanka. I was there for a shoot, and during meals, people barely spoke at all. At first, I honestly thought, “Do they not want to eat with me?” I almost took it personally. But later I learned that staying quiet during meals is actually part of their culture, it’s a way of showing respect. That really surprised me, especially because I’m such a chatterbox when I eat! Another memorable moment was during a stage rehearsal in Thailand. Before we started, all the staff gathered to meditate together. At first, I was like, “Wait, what’s going on?” But I soon realized it was their way of honoring the performance as something meaningful. I ended up joining in too. Experiences like those really taught me cultural humility. They reminded me that every culture has its own beauty, and sometimes, the best thing we can do is pause, observe, and respect it. 

    As someone working directly within the Korean media and broadcasting industry, how do you view the global impact of Korean content today?

    Boom: I really believe that Korean content is making a major impact on the global stage. “K” has almost become a brand of its own, starting with K-pop, and now expanding into K-dramas, K-films, K-food, and K-beauty. But I think our next challenge is to take this from just “K” to truly “World.” Rather than limiting ourselves to the label of “K,” we need to create content with a global mindset from the beginning and compete confidently in the international market. Korean content is already the heart of Asia. And now, it’s time to step fully into the global spotlight. The door is wide open. Let’s go! 

    Boom’s journey through broadcasting, travel, and cultural exchange reveals a deep respect for people and the stories they carry. His reflections remind us that entertainment is not just about energy and laughter, but about connection, understanding, and growth. As Korean content continues to expand globally, voices like Boom’s show us that true impact begins with empathy and a willingness to see the light in everyone. 

    Read the blog about Wonwoo Park, another creative worker as an broadcasting format writer in K-media industry!

  • From K to Global: The Hidden Hands Behind K-media Boom

    From K to Global: The Hidden Hands Behind K-media Boom

    In recent years, Korean content has traveled far beyond its borders, capturing the attention of global audiences with its music, dramas, and increasingly, its broadcast formats. But behind the scenes of this cultural export boom lies a lesser-known figure: the broadcast format producer. 

    This is a photo of Wonwoo Park, the CEO of diTurn.

    Wonwoo Park is the Founder, Show Director & CEO of Korean broadcast format company diTurn. Park is internationally recognized as the original creator and Korean producer behind global sensations like The Masked Singer and Lotto Singer. In Korea, he has also developed and produced a number of successful shows, including 300: United Voices, My Ranking, Dancing in the Box, and My Boyfriend is Better. Following the worldwide success of The Masked Singer, his company, diTurn, secured a first-look deal with FOX TV and is now collaborating with major global studios such as Sony Pictures and Banijay. In this interview, we explore with Park, how Korean cultural identity is packaged, adapted, and sometimes challenged when entering foreign markets, and what this process reveals about the contrasts between Korea and the rest of the world. 

    What exactly does a broadcast format producer do? What kind of work are you currently engaged in?

    Wonwoo: The role involves identifying and analyzing global media platforms and broadcaster needs, often detecting trends and assessing market flows. I work closely with domestic broadcasters and production companies to create customized formats. I also collaborate with overseas partners to co-develop formats tailored to international audiences and ensure these projects are successfully launched abroad. Once a format gains traction, I continue managing and evolving it, generating new ideas for future formats and adaptations.

    How do you see Korea’s culture and content industry being received overseas, especially when working as a format producer?

    Wonwoo: Korea’s cultural exports, once limited to stereotypical notions like “politeness” or “group harmony,” have now expanded into mainstream media through K-pop, K-drama, K-animation, and K-format. Major international buyers are increasingly interested in Korean creativity and originality. I can say how Korean-made formats are gaining attention for their innovative and structured storytelling. As evidence, exclusive format licensing deals with NBCU and FOX TV signal Korea’s elevated status in the global media market. I believe that the future holds even greater opportunities for Korean content to gain love from international audiences.

    Have you ever experienced cultural differences or challenges while working with international partners?

    Wonwoo: Absolutely. Cultural and workflow differences often present challenges. For example, international partners tend to plan with detailed schedules and emphasize business results, whereas Korean workflows are more flexible, relying heavily on trust and relationship-based collaboration. These differences sometimes caused confusion and miscommunication in the early stages. However, through hands-on experience and frequent local coordination, I learned how to bridge those cultural gaps. I’ll emphasize that understanding each other’s processes is crucial to building transparent and productive partnerships.

    What do you think are the key selling points or unique traits of K-formats for global buyers?

    Wonwoo: The distinctiveness of Korean formats lies in their balance of clear structure and emotional depth. These formats often reflect Korea’s cultural values, such as sincerity and resilience, which resonate with global audiences. Even when adapting similar themes, such as survival shows or romance, the Korean version tends to add a fresh perspective, often grounded in realism and emotional storytelling. For example, themes of regret, social class conflict, or generational tensions often appear in Korean formats, giving them universal relevance. This cultural richness, paired with competitive production quality, makes K-formats a strong contender in the global market.

    What becomes clear through this conversation is that Korean culture is not simply being exported—it is being negotiated. The broadcast format producer navigates differences in work style, creative values, and narrative expectations to ensure that Korean content can land meaningfully in other cultural contexts. At times, this means adapting or even compromising parts of Korea’s unique storytelling DNA. Yet, in that very process of cultural exchange, Korea also gains insight into how it is perceived globally, and where its values align—or clash—with others. These are not just stories of entertainment—they are reflections of identity, power, and cultural dialogue. And perhaps, in seeing which parts of Korean culture are embraced or misunderstood abroad, we also see the shifting landscape of what Korea represents to the world.

    Read the blog about Boom (Minho Lee), another creative worker as an entertainer in K-media industry!