BBC Studios has announced that audiences across Asia will be the first to watch “Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji-hyo’s Haenyeo Adventure” on their screens, with the series set to premiere on BBC Earth and BBC Player in Asia on 11 May.
A first original co-production between BBC Studios and Korean media company JTBC, “Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji-hyo’s Haenyeo Adventure” immerses viewers in Korean star Song Ji-hyo’s journey as she undertakes the greatest challenge of her life: free diving with the legendary haenyeo or sea women.
The haenyeo are keepers of a precious tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation for at least 400 years, a lifestyle UNESCO has recognised as an ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’. Every day these incredible women, many of whom are in their 80s, risk their lives by plunging up to 20 metres to the seafloor without air apparatus or advanced equipment, to gather shellfish for their families and their livelihood.
Across three visually spectacular episodes, the series document Song on an adventure like no other, as she subjects herself to the intensive training necessary to become one of Korea’s legendary sea women.
Her aunt was a haenyeo, with Song fascinated by the inspiring aquatic abilities and charisma of her relatives. However, most haenyeo start their training in the sea at the age of eight but the actress will have to cram over 30 years’ worth of training into just a month. She will not only need to exercise her body but also prepare her mind – it’s a high-stakes adventure that will reveal an unseen side to both Song and Korea.
Ryan Shiotani, Senior Vice President of Content at BBC Studios Asia, says: “We are incredibly proud to partner with JTBC on our first original co-production together to celebrate the incredible lives of the haenyeo divers and immerse audiences in Song Ji-hyo’s most personal and demanding challenge. At BBC Studios, we consistently have the unique privilege to work with the best in the business, and with expert camera work and Song Ji-hyo’s down-to-earth charm, this series is no different. We can’t wait to give viewers in Asia, and across the world, a deeper appreciation of Korea’s deep cultural heritage, like never before.”
The actress expressed “Working on this series has been a very special and meaningful journey for me, and I’m sincerely delighted to be able to share this experience with viewers around the world. Having the opportunity to directly experience the lives of Jeju Island’s haenyeo women and learn their way of life has been a precious opportunity that I’ll never forget in my lifetime. Through this series, I hope that audiences in Korea and throughout the world will gain a deeper understanding of the haenyeo community’s deep heritage and precious traditions.”
Ahead of the series release, Song will be making a visit to Kuala Lumpur in May for an exclusive screening event organised by BBC Studios.
Stream the premiere of Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji-hyo’s Haenyeo Adventure on BBC Player every Sunday, from 11 May at 9:00pm. The series will also be available at the same time on the BBC Earth channel, available on UnifiTV channel 501 and Astro channel 554.