A+E Networks will host a multinational launch Wednesday “If You Wish Upon Me,”A Korean drama series produced by A+E Studios.
This is the story of an impoverished man who has a turbulent past and a twisted outlook, but accidentally joins Team Genie to help patients in hospice care. He learns to care for others and how to live harmoniously. Each episode has a separate story of a patient in hospice care and Team Genie’s journey to carry out their wishes.
Inspired by a true story of the Make-a-Wish Foundation in the Netherlands, the series was inspired to adapt this account. This international foundation is responsible for granting wishes for children with a critical illness. The adaptation of “If You Wish Upon Me”It adds a hospice setting to create relatable characters and heartwarming situations.
The show will premiere in South Korea on KBS. Lifetime Korea followed. It will be streamed on Viu in 16 markets (Asia/the Middle East and South Africa), Viki, Americas, Europe and Oceania, and U-Next Japan.
Sung Dongil, Ji Chang-wook and Choi Soo Young are the stars of this production. A+E Networks is sole distributor and financier of the studio.
A+E Korea’s scripted drama strategy in Korea has seen it previously involved in “Backstreet Rookie,” “Woori the Virgin” “Dramaworld.”According to the company, they will “continue to develop and create high-quality K-drama and monetizable IP.”
“A+E Networks continues to double down on creating relevant and globally monetizable IP across genres and formats. The global demand for K-dramas continues to grow. ‘If You Wish Upon Me’ is our first creative partnership with A+E Studios and reflects the ambition and confidence in the appeal of the genre,”Saugato Banerjee is the MD for Asia at A+E Networks. The company is a joint venture by Disney-ABC Television, Hearst Corp.
“Korean content has become a global phenomenon thanks to its distinctive stories and production values. As a part of a global media group, A+E Networks Korea aims to provide exceptional content globally by strengthening our investments in creative works,”Soh Youngsun, GM Korea at A+E Networks and regional head for digital business development, said the following: “We are pleased to premier ‘If You Wish Upon Me’ on the public network KBS2 in primetime, and on Lifetime Korea. Based on our strength as a global media group, A+E Networks Korea also expects to fuel IP creation in the form of adaptations and remakes.”