Studio M, a multipurpose water studio equipped for aquatic and regular set filming, opened on Sept 21

 Plans underway to establish a “Virtual Studio” within “Studio Cube” by 2025, aiming to become the premier studio in Korea

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Minister PARK Bo Gyoon, MCST) and the Korea Creative Content Agency (President JO Hyun Rae, KOCCA) inaugurated “Studio M,” a multipurpose water studio located within “Studio Cube” in Daejeon on September 21 (Thur).

The construction of “Studio M” was initiated in response to the broadcasting industry’s demand for specialized aquatic filming facilities. Commencing in October 2021, the architectural work was completed in May this year, with the installation of chroma key screens finalizing the project in August. The facility boasts a pool measuring 30 meters in length and 21 meters in width, making it ideal for filming grand naval warfare scenes such as those in the movie “Hansan: Rising Dragon.” “Studio M” now allows filmmakers to shoot movies and dramas featuring expansive sequences requiring a specialized water studio.

“Studio Cube,” equipped with this multipurpose water studio, serves as a creative foundation where creators and producers can freely express their artistic vision. Despite its remote location, “Studio Cube” has maintained a remarkable 100% operational rate since its inauguration in September 2017, with its state-of-the-art studios and auxiliary facilities. It has served as the filming location for globally acclaimed productions such as “Squid Game,” which garnered six Emmy Awards in 2022, as well as “Mr. Sunshine” and “Kingdom” Season 2. This solidifies its reputation as the production hub for iconic K-content.

The opening ceremony featured various attractions, including a screening of a making-of-film from the drama “The Fish I Loved,” the first production shot in “Studio M.” Representatives from drama production companies and future broadcasting industry professionals from film schools also attended the ceremony, including President SONG Byeong-Joon of Korea Drama Production Association (KODA).

“Studio Cube” anticipated to be the sole multipurpose studio in Korea equipped to handle regular, aquatic, and virtual filming

Furthermore, the MCST and KOCCA plan to establish a “Virtual Studio” within Studio Cube over the next two years, from 2024 to 2025. This studio will feature LED walls and in-camera[1] visual effects (VFX), enabling numerous small and medium-sized production companies to create content using the advanced production infrastructure within “Studio Cube.”

Once the “Virtual Studio” becomes operational, “Studio Cube” is expected to play a pivotal role as a hub for K-content creation and distribution. As the only multipurpose studio in Korea with state-of-the-art infrastructure for regular, aquatic, and virtual filming, it is expected to reduce the cost and time associated with shooting and postproduction abroad.

KANG Su Sang, the MCST’s Director-General of the Media Policy Bureau, stated, “For K-content, which take the lead in the global market, it is vital to establish fundamental facilities such as the newly opened water studio and the upcoming ‘Virtual Studio’ slated for completion in 2025. This is essential to strengthen the global competitiveness of broadcast video content. We are committed to offering comprehensive support throughout the process, including content planning and development, production, domestic and international distribution, and professional training.”