All3Media International has teamed with Korean production companies Luyworks Media and Something Special to bring a local adaptation of the reality competition format phenomenon “The Traitors” to South Korea, with actor Cha Seung-won tapped to host.
The Korean version marks another significant expansion for the Dutch-originated format, which has become a global juggernaut since its 2021 debut on RTL 4 in the Netherlands. More than 30 territories across six continents have commissioned local versions, while over 50 territories have broadcast episodes through tape sales.
Cha Seung-won brings considerable star power to the project, having built a career spanning dramas, films and variety shows. His credits include dramas “The Greatest Love,” “Our Blues” and “The Tyrant,” films “Believer,” “Night in Paradise” and “Uprising,” and variety series “Infinite Challenge,” “Three Meals a Day” and “Korean Hostel in Spain.”
“We are very happy to announce the production greenlight of ‘The Traitors’ Korea and working with the nation’s beloved actor Cha Seung-won as the host of the Korean version,” said Yul Han, CEO of Luyworks Media and executive producer of the Korean adaptation. “It is a tremendous honor to be working with actor Cha Seung-won, whom we have long considered the most fitting host for ‘The Traitors’ while producing the Korean version. Despite his busy schedule, he has shown such affection for the program that he has even proposed ideas unique to the Korean version.”
Jin Woo Hwang, president of Something Special, added that the collaboration represents an opportunity to showcase K-entertainment production values. “Working on a project with the top-notch production house Luyworks Media and actor Cha Seung-won are an opportunity that cannot be missed,” Hwang said.
The format’s appeal has proven remarkably durable across markets. Created and developed by IDTV and POSVIDEO in cooperation with RTL Creative Unit, “The Traitors” was named K7’s Format of the Year 2024 and has collected multiple Emmy, BAFTA and RTS awards, along with a Rose d’Or, Asian Academy Creative Award and Producers Guild Award.
In the U.K., the celebrity edition’s finale drew 15 million viewers to the BBC and has been renewed for a second season. The U.S. version, hosted by Alan Cumming, has earned five Emmy Awards including outstanding reality competition program and outstanding host. Both the U.K. and U.S. versions are produced by Studio Lambert, part of All3Media.
Tony Ziran Tang, VP of sales Asia for finished programs and formats at All3Media International, said: “His stardom now stands alongside Claudia Winkleman (U.K.), Alan Cumming (U.S.), and Karan Johar (India). We are confident Luyworks will deliver an outstanding version that resonates with Korean audiences and fans across the region.”
Luyworks Media has established itself as a force in the competition reality genre with productions including “Physical 100” for Netflix and “Street Woman Fighter” and “Show me the Money” for CJ ENM. Something Special operates as Korea’s first TV format agency focused on creative talents, with a track record developing over 150 format titles across 26 territories.
All3Media International serves as global partner for “The Traitors,” handling format, tape sales and licensing worldwide.
