In an exciting development that signals a bold move into global cinema, Artist Studio, co-founded by the renowned actor Lee Jung Jae, has inked a planning and development deal with the UK’s prestigious Imaginarium Productions. The partnership aims to co-create a K-pop themed spy film currently titled ‘Secret Idol’, which promises to fuse the glitz of the K-pop world with an engaging teen spy narrative.
The film centers on a covert agent who dives into the competitive realm of K-pop as an undercover trainee, taking on both the fierce rivalries of aspiring stars and the menacing threat of a global crime syndicate. This unique storyline blends the high-stakes environment of the K-pop industry with the adrenaline-fueled dynamics of espionage, setting the stage for an unprecedented cinematic experience.
Both companies are collaborating closely from the early narration stages, strategizing on production elements, casting possibilities in Hollywood, and laying the groundwork for a global distribution network. Discussions around expanding international production partnerships are also actively underway.
Imaginarium Productions, which was co-founded by actor-director Andy Serkis—famously recognized for his roles as Gollum in the ‘Lord of the Rings’ series and Caesar in ‘Planet of the Apes’—is celebrated for its cutting-edge expertise in performance capture and tech-driven storytelling. The company is currently developing ‘The Hunt for Gollum’, a prequel to the ‘Lord of the Rings’ saga, in collaboration with Warner Bros.
Meanwhile, Artist Studio has been making waves as the content production division of Artist Group, a newly rebranded entertainment powerhouse led by global sensation Lee Jung Jae. The studio has gained attention for its comprehensive approach, managing every aspect of content creation, from development to broadcasting and distribution.
A representative from Artist Studio shared their vision for the project, stating, “‘Secret Idol’ is an innovative project that showcases the global scalability of Korean content, especially K-pop. Through our partnership with Imaginarium, we aim to deliver a story with universal appeal and commercial viability that resonates with international audiences.”
With both the K-pop and spy genres in play, ‘Secret Idol’ is shaping up to be an exhilarating journey that fans worldwide will surely be eager to watch.
