Highlights
- South Korean studio SLL licensed a Spanish-dubbed version of My ID is Gangnam Beauty to TelevisaUnivision for broadcasting it on Mexico's Canal 5 this August.
- The deal expands SLL's Latin American reach, adding to the overseas footprint of several other popular titles like Reborn Rich and Culinary Class Wars.
- The agreement highlights the increasing demand for K-dramas in the region, with broadcasters trying to include more K-content offerings.
In a recent commercial expansion move into Latin America, South Korean studio SLL has licensed its 2018 television series My ID is Gangnam Beauty to Mexican media conglomerate TelevisaUnivision. The romantic comedy will reportedly be dubbed in Spanish and will premiere in August, 2026, on Canal 5, TelevisaUnivision’s free-to-air network in Mexico.
Growing K-Drama’s Footprint in Latin America
The agreement allows SLL to fortify its distribution network throughout Spanish-speaking markets. SLL, a content production unit affiliated with the popular South Korean media outlet, Korea JoongAng Daily, manages over 11 production labels. The company’s credit list includes television series such as Reborn Rich, Doctor Cha, and King the Land, alongside Netflix hit Culinary Class Wars and The Roundup film franchise.
According to a press statement, SLL noted that the drama’s broadcast on Canal 5 intends to "reach an even broader audience and further reinforce the global appeal of its premium drama portfolio." The series, based on a popular webtoon, focuses on a young woman battling societal beauty standards after undergoing cosmetic surgery.
Mexico as a Strategic Hub for K-Dramas
SLL’s licensing agreement with TelevisaUnivision aligns with a broader institutional push. In July 2025, TelevisaUnivision regarded Canal 5 as "Casa de los K-Dramas," meaning “Home of K-Dramas.” Since then, they have carved out weekday primetime slots for South Korean programming, including titles like True Beauty and Lovely Runner.
'My ID Is Gangnam Beauty' on Amazon MX Player (India)
That network strategy came after a series of supply agreements signed earlier in 2025 by another Korean studio, CJ ENM, which partnered with entities like TelevisaUnivision, TV Azteca, and Imagen Televisión to provide broadcast content.
Apart from that, the trading framework grew in parallel with licensing deals. The Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) in Mexico, which was inaugurated in 2024, aims to facilitate investment, distribution, and co-productions, while using trade showcases like ‘MIP Cancun’ to connect Asian producers with Latin American broadcasters.
Pop Culture Momentum Opens Presidential-Level Trade Talks
Latin America has become a lucrative market for South Korean exports. With K-pop’s growing grip in the region, it is welcoming other types of K-content, like K-dramas, as well. Recently, after South Korean boyband BTS’ successful Mexico run for their ARIRANG world tour, President Claudia Sheinbaum held a phone call with the South Korean President, Lee Jae-myung. Reportedly, after thanking them for the BTS concerts, the Mexican President took the opportunity to discuss trade expansion, investment, and global issues with South Korea, while also urging to strengthen their cultural and diplomatic ties.
