Global Mega IP Project “K-TRON” Unveiled: SAMG Entertainment, LG Uplus, and HighZium Studio Join Forces for Groundbreaking K-Robot Drama

– SPC Formed by Top Players in IP, Production, Business, and Distribution: Dream Team Assembled for K-Robot Drama Production
– Entering the High-Value Global Robot IP Market, Inspired by Transformers and Gundam
– K-Robot Live-Action Series “K-TRON” Aims for Global Streaming Service Release in 2026

SEOUL — On July 30, SAMG Entertainment Co., Ltd. (CEO Kim Soo-hoon, hereinafter referred to as SAMG Entertainment), LG Uplus, and HighZium Studio announced the formation of a special purpose company (SPC) to launch a groundbreaking K-robot live-action series project.

This new venture aims to set a new standard in global content with its innovative approach to robot-themed narratives. The newly established SPC represents a powerhouse collaboration among top-tier players in IP management, production, investment, and distribution. This strategic alliance marks a significant milestone for South Korea’s entertainment industry, addressing the long-standing ambition to produce high-quality robot live-action content.

SAMG Entertainment CEO Suhoon Kim emphasized the project’s historical significance, noting, “Creating a large-scale robot live-action project has been a long-standing challenge in the domestic entertainment sector due to technical and market limitations. However, by leveraging SAMG Entertainment’s successful business model and expanding it to films and series, we are poised to generate substantial value akin to that of Marvel, Disney, or Hasbro. With the global spotlight on K-content, now is the perfect moment for SAMG Entertainment to step into the global IP arena and reach the international kidult market.”

In this collaborative effort, SAMG Entertainment will bring its successful IP models from projects like Catch! Teenieping, Miniforce, and Metal Cardbot to the table, providing creative expertise and industry knowledge. HighZium Studio, known for its hits such as Itaewon Class, Money Heist, and The Sound of Magic, will contribute its renowned production strategies. Meanwhile, LG Uplus will utilize its content studio STUDIO X+U for co-planning and production, as well as overseeing investment and distribution to ensure the project’s stability and success.

HighZium Studio expressed confidence in the project’s potential, stating, “K-content is receiving global attention, and our team, known for creating top-tier K-content, is now channeling its expertise into this K-robot live-action project. We believe our production experience will lead this project to the forefront of the global market.”

The K-robot project enters a highly competitive global market where robot IPs are in high demand. The kidult market alone is projected to be worth 11 trillion won in South Korea, with overseas robot IPs at its core. The success of Hasbro’s live-action Transformers franchise, which has transformed it into a global entertainment giant, and Bandai’s Gundam IP, which recently surpassed 1 trillion won in annual revenue, highlight the potential of this genre.

LG Uplus Chief Content Officer (CCO) Deokjae Lee noted, “By leveraging Korea’s advancements in AI and VFX technology, the fusion of 3D robots with live actors in this project is set to capture attention in the global content market. We are committed to transforming this IP into a major player and generating new value.”

The collaborative project, tentatively titled K-TRON, is slated for release in 2026 and will be showcased on global streaming services, bringing this ambitious K-robot live-action series to audiences around the world.