Chorokbaem Media

Chorokbaem Media, established in 1998 and publicly traded on the KOSDAQ since 2002, is a significant player in the South Korean media production landscape. Initially incorporated as Konictech Co., Ltd., the company has built a reputation for producing a variety of television content, primarily focusing on Korean dramas and also expanding into animations. The firm's business model is centered on the production of broadcast programming and the monetization of related intellectual property, which includes original soundtracks, character-based products, and other value-added content.

The company's production portfolio includes a number of highly successful and recognized dramas that have performed well both domestically and internationally. Key titles that underscore its production capabilities include "All In" (2003), "Jumong" (2006), "The Slave Hunters" (2010), "My Mister" (2018), and the widely popular "The Penthouse" (2020-2021). This consistent output of hit series has been a primary driver of the company's revenue, which showed a notable upward trend with sales reaching 242.1 billion won in 2023. The company operates primarily in the South Korean entertainment market, supplying content to major broadcasting networks. Operationally, Chorokbaem Media functions through a value chain that includes its entertainment and channel subsidiaries, solidifying its position as a comprehensive content creator.

From a corporate structure standpoint, Chorokbaem Media has several subsidiaries, including the production house Kim Jong-hak Production and talent management agency TN Entertainment. In December 2021, a merger with Hook Entertainment was announced, a strategic move aimed at expanding its content production capabilities for the global over-the-top (OTT) streaming market. However, the company has faced significant headwinds. In mid-2023, former chairman Won Young-sik was arrested on charges of stock manipulation, leading to a suspension of the company's stock trading on the Kosdaq. Consequently, the company has been undergoing a major restructuring, including efforts to sell a 39.3% majority stake to distance itself from the former chairman's influence and avoid delisting. As of April 2025, the company is led by CEOs Oh Min-soo and Kim Sang-heon.

Keywords: Korean drama production, K-drama, content creation, media production, entertainment business, broadcasting programming, intellectual property monetization, TV series production, South Korean media, KOSDAQ listed, television content, entertainment finance, drama producer, content creator, media investment, Korean entertainment, TV production house, All In, My Mister, The Penthouse