NEWS

Producer Akira Morii from THE SEVEN, known for the globally successful Netflix series ALICE IN BORDERLAND, and director J.Q. Lee from Film Monster, a Korean production label under SLL, known for ALL OF US ARE DEAD, have announced their collaboration on a new drama series for the global market. This is an action-packed spectacular drama series featuring a protagonist who has acquired special abilities, and it is already in development.

Akira Morii has been known as the producer of hit Netflix drama series such as ALICE IN BORDERLAND Season 2, which set a record for the highest viewing hours as a Japanese Netflix production, as well as YU YU HAKUSHO, which ranked second in the world among all the drama series in all languages, including English, in the first week after its release. Since 2022, Akira Morii has served as the Chief Content Officer at THE SEVEN, overseeing the production of content tailored for global audiences.

J.Q. Lee has been involved in production of leading films and drama series in Korea. He has directed acclaimed drama series such as ALL OF US ARE DEAD, which topped the charts in 91 countries for two weeks on Netflix's TOP10 (Non-English TV) after its release, and DAILY DOSE OF SUNSHINE, which portrayed the mental states of patients skillfully using VFX.

Currently, each is in the process of producing the sequels to their respective globally acclaimed hit works, ALICE IN BORDERLAND Season 3 and ALL OF US ARE DEAD Season 2. Amidst global attention, they have initiated a new international co-production project.

This project came about through a proposal from J.Q. Lee to collaborate with Morii, known for producing a series of global hit works originating from Japan. J.Q. Lee mentioned, "Although Morii plays on a global stage, he possesses a meticulous sensibility that is unique to Japanese. I wanted to collaborate with him in anticipation of receiving good stimulation." Morii added, "As a big fan of the Director J. Q. Lee's work, I was pleasantly surprised and delighted when he approached me with a proposal this time."

This collaborative project is an action-packed spectacular drama series featuring a protagonist with unique abilities never before seen in movies or Japanese comics, promising an unprecedented viewing experience. During the development meeting held in Japan, J.Q. Lee expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, "Morii passionately embraced the concept I proposed and added innovative ideas, resulting in a more compelling story. I believe that by working together, we can create a piece that resonates with people worldwide, not only in Korea and Japan." "We cannot disclose specific details at this time, but I can say that this project will feature an ingenious and unheard-of storyline. We can’t wait to share it with the world as soon as possible," Morii added.

The development of the long plot is already underway, and Morii and J.Q. Lee will proceed to scriptwriting after further discussions. Concurrently, they also plan shooting and production schedules and details regarding the cast and content will be announced in the future

The SEVEN has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for co-production of films and drama series with SLL Japan, the Japanese subsidiary of SLL established in 2022. SLL is a leading Korean production studio that has worked on numerous hit works, including the highly successful ITAEWON CLASS, which was also remade in Japan. Collaborating with 15 labels, including Film Monster, to produce a variety of content.

One of Japan’s most acclaimed producers of live-action series and films. Starting with the film MABOROSI (1995), Morii has been involved in producing hit films including KIDS RETURN (1996) and BLOOD AND BONES (2004). He joined Robot Communications Inc. in 2009 and produced a number of well-received titles, including a TV series MOZU (2014) – which was nominated for Best Drama Series at the 43rd International Emmy Awards. He developed and produced the hit Netflix series ALICE IN BORDERLAND (2020). The show ranked among the Top-10 Most Viewed Series in multiple countries. After starting his own production company, Plus One Entertainment, Morii produced ALICE IN BORDERLAND Season 2 (2022), ZOM100: BUCKET LIST OF THE DEAD (2023), and YU YU HAKUSHO (2023) for Netflix. ALICE IN BORDERLAND Season 2 became the No.1 most viewed Netflix original series from Japan. YU YU HAKUSHO has become the biggest global hit ever for a series from Japan, captivating audiences worldwide in the first week since its global release. It debuted at No.1 in the Netflix Weekly Global Top 10 Non-English TV List, and secured the second spot across both English and non-English categories. In addition, the series also made the Top 10 in 92 countries and regions around the world. He joined THE SEVEN in August 2022.

J.Q. Lee made a debut as a director with MBC drama DAMO in 2003, produced FASHION 70'S in 2005, BEETHOVEN VIRUS in 2008, and THE KING 2 HEARTS in 2014. In addition, directed the play THE LAST BLOSSOM, the movie THE INFLUENCE in 2010, and the movie THE FATAL ENCOUNTER in 2014.

He works as a director across various genres without being confined to any specific genre, established the film and drama production company FILM MONSTER in 2015 and has been continuing his creative endeavors. The movie INTIMATE STRANGERS, directed by J.Q. Lee in 2018, ranked fourth at the South Korean box office in the same year.

The drama ALL OF US ARE DEAD, directed by J.Q. Lee in 2022, set a new record on Netflix for the highest viewing hours in its opening week and remained in the number one spot worldwide for 15 days. In 2023, the Netflix drama series DAILY DOSE OF SUNSHINE, also directed by J.Q. Lee, achieved a Rotten Tomatoes freshness rating of 100% and continues to maintain that rating. In addition, he produced the drama series TRAP and participated as a creator in PYRAMID GAME.

Company Name: THE SEVEN, Inc.

Location: THE Hexagon 3F, 5-4-7 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Established: January 7th, 2022

President and CEO: Tatsuo Sugai

Official Website: https://www.the7.co.jp/en/

THE SEVEN, Inc., which is a subsidiary of Tokyo Broadcasting System Holdings, Inc., primarily collaborates with global streaming platforms to plan, develop, and produce high-end content for a worldwide audience. The company also engages in IP development and management, as well as business expansion into areas such as film, live entertainment, and licensing, with a focus on leveraging intellectual properties for global business development.

Company Name: SLL Joongang Co.,Ltd

Location: 38, Sangamsan-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Established: September 1999

President and CEO: YOON Ki-Yoon, Jun-Seo Park

HP: https://www.sll.co.kr/en/

SLL changed its company name from JTBC Studio in 2022. It operates as a studio covering all aspects of the content business value chain, including story planning and development, production, investment, and distribution. It is breaking a new ground in K-content. Dramas like SKY CASTLE, THE WORLD OF THE MARRIED, ITAEWON CLASS, HELLBOUND, D.P., and ALL OF US ARE DEAD, crafted by top-notch production teams, as well as films such as NO WAY OUT, and INTIMATE STRANGERS, have led the trends with high-quality content, transcending platforms and formats.

Company Name: Film Monster Co.,Ltd

Location: 301, 27, Hyoryeong-ro 33-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul

Established: April 23rd, 2015

President and CEO: Park Chul-soo

Film Monster was founded in 2015 by CEO Park Chul-soo and director J.Q. Lee. In 2019, it was acquired and merged with J Contentree. Currently, as the leading label of SLL, Film Monster actively collaborates with SLL and other label companies, as well as a variety of creators, to plan and produce competitive drama, film, and OTT content for the global content market.

Some of the notable works by Film Monster include the Tving Original PYRAMID GAME in 2023, the Netflix Original DAILY DOSE OF SUNSHINE in 2023, the Genie TV Original EVILIVE in 2024, the Netflix Original ALL OF US ARE DEAD in 2022, the OCN drama TRAP in 2019, and the film INTIMATE STRANGERS in 2018.