Boardroom Inks TV and Film Deal With SMAC Entertainment (Exclusive)

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  Media and Entertainment on Tue, Sep 09th, 2025 by The Hollywood Reporter

SMAC Entertainment and Boardroom Forge Strategic Film‑TV Deal to Bring Korean Content to the Global Stage

September 2024 — In a move that underscores the meteoric rise of Korean media on the world stage, SMAC Entertainment and Boardroom announced a comprehensive partnership aimed at producing, financing, and distributing film and television projects across both domestic and international markets.

A Vision for Global Korean Storytelling

The announcement, made at a press event in Seoul, outlined a multi‑year collaboration that will see SMAC Entertainment—renowned for its roster of K‑pop stars, actors, and production talent—team up with Boardroom, a U.S.‑based production and distribution company that has built a reputation for bringing high‑profile content to streaming platforms worldwide.

SMAC’s CEO, Kim Hyung‑seok, highlighted the company’s ambition to “extend Korean storytelling beyond the peninsula and into the global entertainment ecosystem.” He emphasized that SMAC has already seen success with projects like “The Rising Star” and “Korean Sunset,” both of which garnered significant viewership on international streaming services.

Boardroom’s founder, Mark Chen, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, noting that the company “has long been looking to partner with creative hubs that can deliver fresh, culturally resonant content.” Chen added that SMAC’s deep talent pool and production capabilities would be a natural fit for Boardroom’s distribution network.

Key Elements of the Deal

While the financial specifics remain undisclosed, the agreement includes the following core components:

1. Co‑Production Pipeline
   SMAC will manage the creative development, casting, and production of up to 12 projects per year, ranging from feature films to limited series. Boardroom will provide funding, technical support, and international co‑production expertise.

2. Global Distribution Rights
   Boardroom will secure worldwide distribution rights for all projects, negotiating deals with major streaming platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. SMAC will retain domestic distribution rights within South Korea and select Asian markets.

3. Joint Marketing & Promotion
   A joint marketing arm will handle cross‑border promotion, leveraging SMAC’s strong social media presence and Boardroom’s experience in global campaigns. The collaboration will also explore merchandising opportunities tied to the intellectual property.

4. Talent Exchange & Development
   The partnership will facilitate talent exchanges, allowing SMAC actors and directors to work on U.S.‑based projects and vice versa. This initiative is expected to nurture a new generation of hybrid creators fluent in both Korean and Western storytelling conventions.

5. Digital & Physical Distribution
   Beyond streaming, Boardroom will oversee the release of physical media (Blu‑ray, DVD) and potential theatrical runs for select titles, especially those that fit a “festival‑ready” profile.

Context: The Korean Wave (Hallyu) Gains Momentum

The deal arrives at a time when Korean content—often dubbed “Hallyu” or the Korean Wave—is enjoying unprecedented global popularity. According to a 2023 report by the Korean Creative Content Agency, Korean dramas and films have increased their streaming share in the United States by 15% since 2020, with “Squid Game” and “Parasite” cited as watershed moments.

SMAC, founded in 2016 as a joint venture between several entertainment conglomerates, has built a robust infrastructure that spans music production, talent management, and film/TV studios. Its recent partnership with Netflix to produce Korean language originals positions it well for this global push.

Boardroom, meanwhile, has a track record of taking niche, culturally rich projects and packaging them for international audiences. Its previous collaborations include the critically acclaimed “Moonlit Journey” (2022) and the upcoming anthology series “City Lights.” The company’s executive producer, Lisa Park, cited this new partnership as a natural extension of its commitment to diverse storytelling.

Industry Reaction and Future Outlook

Industry insiders view the SMAC–Boardroom partnership as a strategic alignment that could reshape the Korean entertainment landscape. Hannah Lee, a senior analyst at Insight Media Group, noted, “This deal signals that Korean studios are no longer just content exporters; they’re becoming full‑spectrum production houses with the capacity to command distribution and marketing on a global scale.”

SMAC’s Vice President of Global Partnerships, Jung Min‑ho, stressed that the collaboration would “accelerate the timeline for Korean stories to reach new audiences, while maintaining the cultural authenticity that has been the hallmark of SMAC’s productions.”

Boardroom’s CFO, Steven Kim, hinted that the partnership would “open doors for additional co‑production deals with other Asian studios,” potentially broadening the company’s portfolio beyond Korean content.

What Comes Next

The first joint project is slated to commence production in the next quarter. While the titles have yet to be announced, insiders suggest the slate may include a high‑budget action thriller and a character‑driven romantic drama. Both projects are expected to tap into the current appetite for genre‑blending narratives that resonate across cultures.

SMAC and Boardroom plan to host a series of joint panels at upcoming film festivals—including the Cannes Film Festival and the Busan International Film Festival—to showcase their collaborative ethos and to attract potential co‑financiers.

As Korean content continues to capture global imagination, the SMAC–Boardroom partnership represents a tangible step toward cementing South Korea’s place as a powerhouse of creative output. By combining SMAC’s talent depth with Boardroom’s distribution muscle, the alliance promises to deliver fresh stories that will captivate audiences worldwide for years to come.