BBC Studios Asia Announces Licensing Deal for South Korea

BBC Studios Asia has agreed to licensing deals with SMG Holdings for “Bluey” and Studio Acorn for “Hey Duggee,” two of BBC Studios’ most prestigious kids’ hits. The deals cover a range of children’s products across key categories, including publishing, apparel and accessories, homeware, local food product and live events.

The deals will be specific to character IP for “Bluey” and “Hey Duggee” as BBC Studios Kids & Family looks to bring the shows to life for fans across Asia.

BBC Studios expects growth across Asia for its licensing and consumer products business with a newly formulated LCP team headed up by Sophia Spinelli, vice president, marketing and bands, BBC Studios Asia.

“This is a really exciting development in our ambitious plan to build a consumer products and licensing team to service the Asia market with our hero IP and global hits,” says Spinelli. “Commercially, we see huge potential in this area across Asia and with the development of our specialist team in 2023, we are really excited to announce such a big start.”

“We are thrilled to represent ‘Hey Duggee’ in Korea,” says Keke Oh, chief brand officer, Studio Acorn. “‘Hey Duggee’ is the top-notch TV animation for kids learning to respect others by playing in their unique way. All these are illustrated in vibrant colors and styles. We are very excited and looking forward to the adventure with ‘Hey Duggee.’”

Related:BBC Studios Announces New ‘Bluey’ Products

“I fell in love with the unique nature of ‘Bluey’ and am looking forward to bringing this special product to Korean audiences,” says Choi Joon Seok, chief executive officer, SMG Holdings. “This heart-warming show focuses on the importance of family, and at SMG, we truly believe this is where Bluey’s global resonance comes from.”

Products will be available for distribution by Q3 2023 across South Korea.