Salty Tales from the Deep: Song Ji-hyo Plunges into the World of Korea’s Haenyeo on BBC Earth

Mark your calendars! Starting May 11th, get ready to be swept away by a truly unique and breathtaking journey as Korean superstar Song Ji-hyo takes on the challenge of a lifetime in the three-part documentary series, Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji-hyo’s Haenyeo Adventure, premiering exclusively on BBC Earth here in Asia. Forget the usual K-drama glitz; this is a raw, personal immersion into a world few outside of Korea truly understand – the incredible lives of the legendary haenyeo, the “women of the sea.”

This special series, a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the prestigious BBC Studios and Korea’s own JTBC, throws us right into the heart of Song Ji-hyo’s extraordinary undertaking. We witness her as she dedicates herself to learning the ancient and demanding art of free diving alongside the haenyeo, the remarkable sea women of Korea.

For over 400 years, this extraordinary tradition has been passed down through generations, a deep connection to the ocean and a testament to the resilience and skill of these women. UNESCO itself has recognized their way of life as an ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.’ Imagine this: day after day, these incredible individuals, many of whom are grandmothers in their 80s, bravely descend up to 20 meters into the ocean’s depths – without any scuba gear or fancy equipment – to gather shellfish, providing for their families and sustaining their unique livelihood. It’s a life lived in rhythm with the tides, a dance between human and ocean that demands immense courage and skill.

Across three visually stunning episodes, Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji-hyo’s Haenyeo Adventure isn’t just a documentary; it’s an intimate portrayal of Song Ji-hyo’s personal odyssey. We see her embrace the rigorous and demanding training required to even begin to understand the haenyeo way of life. This isn’t just a whim for her; her own aunt was a haenyeo, and Song Ji-hyo has long been captivated by the inspiring aquatic prowess and undeniable charisma of these “sea women” in her family. But here’s the kicker: most haenyeo begin their training in the ocean as young as eight years old. Song Ji-hyo faces the daunting task of condensing over three decades of accumulated knowledge and physical conditioning into a single intense month. This journey isn’t just about pushing her body to its limits; it’s a profound mental preparation, a high-stakes adventure that promises to reveal a side of Song Ji-hyo, and indeed of Korea itself, that we’ve never seen before.

The breathtaking backdrop for this incredible story is Jeju Island, Korea’s southernmost gem, often lovingly referred to as the “Korean Hawaii.” This volcanic paradise, with its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, holds a complex history. Once a remote penal colony that many yearned to escape, it has now blossomed into one of Korea’s most sought-after travel destinations. Through her deep immersion into the haenyeo way of life, Song Ji-hyo will peel back the layers of their culture, their connection to this unique island home, and ultimately, the very limits of her own capabilities. Her ultimate hope? To be accepted, even in a small way, as their newest recruit, to become one with the “women of the sea.”

Ryan Shiotani, Senior Vice President of Content at BBC Studios Asia, perfectly captures the essence of this project: “We are incredibly proud to partner with JTBC on our first original co-production together to celebrate the incredible lives of the haenyeo divers and immerse audiences in Song Ji-hyo’s most personal and demanding challenge. At BBC Studios, we consistently have the unique privilege to work with the best in the business, and with expert camera work and Song Ji-hyo’s down-to-earth charm, this series is no different. We can’t wait to give viewers in Asia, and across the world, a deeper appreciation of Korea’s deep cultural heritage, like never before.”

Huh Jin, JTBC Content Production Director, echoes this sentiment: ”Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji-hyo’s Haenyeo Adventure is a documentary series that delicately captures the strong spirit and way of life of Jeju’s haenyeo. This co-production with BBC Studios was more than just a show—it was a meaningful first step to share Korea’s precious culture with the world. We are delighted to be able to bring the story of Jeju’s haenyeo with a global audience. JTBC will continue to connect with viewers around the world through original Korean content.”

And in her own heartfelt words, Song Ji-hyo shares: “Working on this series has been a very special and meaningful journey for me, and I’m sincerely delighted to be able to share this experience with viewers around the world. Having the opportunity to directly experience the lives of Jeju Island’s haenyeo women and learn their way of life has been a precious opportunity that I’ll never forget in my lifetime. Through this series, I hope that audiences in Korea and throughout the world will gain a deeper understanding of the haenyeo community’s deep heritage and precious traditions.”

So, prepare to be captivated. Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji-hyo’s Haenyeo Adventure premieres on BBC Earth every Sunday, starting May 11th at 9:00 PM, available right here on Cignal channel 245. Don’t miss this extraordinary glimpse into a world of tradition, resilience, and the breathtaking beauty of Korea’s “women of the sea.”