BBC Studios Slates Asian Premiere of Deep Dive Korea

BBC Studios has slated the Asian debut of Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji-hyo’s Haenyeo Adventure for May 11 on BBC Earth and BBC Player.

The first original co-production between BBC Studios and JTBC, the series invites viewers into Korean star Song Ji-hyo’s journey as she undertakes the challenge of free diving with the haenyeo, or sea women, who are keepers of a tradition that has been passed down for at least 400 years.

The haenyeo, many of whom are in their 80s, risk their lives every day by plunging up to 20 meters to the seafloor without air apparatus or advanced equipment to gather shellfish for their families and their livelihood.

Across three episodes, Ji-hyo undertakes intensive training to become one of the sea women. Most haenyeo begin their training in the sea at age 8, but Ji-Hyo will cram over 30 years’ worth of training into one month.

She will do so against the backdrop of Jeju, an island with a volcanic landscape that is often called the “Korean Hawaii,” which was once a savage penal colony but has since become one of Korea’s most coveted travel destinations. By immersing herself in the haenyeo way of life, Ji-hyo will uncover hidden secrets about their culture and home.

“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,” said Ryan Shiotani, senior VP of content at BBC Studios Asia. “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.”

Huh Jin, content production director at JTBC, commented, “Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji-hyo’s Haenyeo Adventure is a documentary series that delicately captures the strong spirit and way of life of Jeju’s haenyeo. This co-production with BBC Studios was more than just a show—it was a meaningful first step to share Korea’s precious culture with the world. We are delighted to be able to bring the story of Jeju’s haenyeo with a global audience. JTBC will continue to connect with viewers around the world through original Korean content.”

“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,” Ji-hyo said. “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.”