BTS/BU/HYYH inspired drama "Begins ≠ Youth" was initially announced in 2019. The production started in 2020 and the filming ended in 2021. The updates began in 2023 and finally got released in 2024. It's a co-produced drama by Hybe Corporation + Chorokbaem Media + FingerLabs.
• Hybe — Founder/Investor
• Chorokbaem Media — Filming Production
• FingerLabs — Distributor
• Xclusive — Platform
BigHit/Hybe owns the BU storyline IP, but since they're a music production company that don't produce dramas, they sold the rights to a different company that expertised on that area. Hybe gave the budget while the drama production is made by Chorokbaem Media, then Chorokbaem Media partnered with another company FingerLabs for distribution which created their own OTT platform Xclusive that uses blockchain.
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[November 2021]
In its statement, Chorokbaem Media said that the K-drama is currently in post-production in order to improve the “quality” of the series. In addition, the production company also noted that it will soon begin discussions with an unnamed “global OTT platform” for distribution and broadcasting of the series.
Source: https://www.nme.com/news/tv/bts-universe-k-drama-youth-production-finished-filming-3102377
[August 2023]
FingerLabs, a subsidiary of KOSDAQ-listed FSN (214270), announced that it will officially kick off a Web 3.0-based content distribution hub by utilizing Xclusive, a platform created and owned by the company. Through collaboration with CRB Media, the company will finally launch its first content, "Youth". Youth is a drama inspired by BTS' HYYH. CRB Media and FingerLabs have shaken hands to collaborate on various content-related projects based on Web 3.0 technology, including production, marketing, and distribution.
Xclusive is an NFT marketplace platform that was launched last year and has completed the beta phase with success. The Xclusive platform not only contributed to the overall expansion of the NFT market by providing launch pad functionality for various projects but also enhanced the secondary market. While FingerLabs planned to launch the official version of the Xclusive platform this year, the platform is designed to be a user-friendly technology with functions that will help expand both the online and offline Web 3.0 market. It explained that the company is positioned to expand its business in earnest through the Web 3.0 content distribution hub.
FingerLabs' Web 3.0 content distribution hub solves various problems experienced by existing distribution platforms with the advent of large online video services(OTT) and presents a distribution method that goes beyond technical barriers. In the Web 3.0 distribution method, decentralization and distribution technology based on blockchain can be applied to create a safer and more profitable model to share with service participants. Xclusive will unveil the launch of its platform along with the way forward on its decentralized content, including viewing rights and rental policies.
In addition, FingerLabs has joined hands with CRB Media to lay the foundation for a stable Web 3.0 content distribution business. The two companies recently signed a content distribution contract, and through this, FingerLabs will also receive various related materials, including design resources necessary for marketing, including viewing produced or copyrighted by CRB Media. FSN, FingerLabs, and CRB Media have already maintained a friendly cooperative relationship by signing a business agreement on the NFT and metaverse business last year, and the Web 3.0 content distribution business is expected to have great synergy as the three companies gather to share past lessons learned and synchronize its specialties.
Source: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fingerlabs-officially-kicks-off-xclusives-web-3-0-by-launching-drama-inspired-by-bts-hyyh-301889886.html
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This concludes that Chorokbaem Media has more control on this drama instead of Hybe. Hybe hasn't released any statements regarding this drama since the announcement when it was still BigHit in 2019-2020. It's evident in the contents how Chorokbaem Media's name comes first before Hybe. And Fingerlabs' partner is Chorokbaem Media, not Hybe. People are blaming Hybe and asking to put this drama on Netflix or other accessible platforms, but they're actually not involved with the Xclusive platform and it's impossible to move it since the Web 3.0 distribution method seems to be strict.
Disclaimer: I'm not familiar with business terms. Anyone who have knowledge about it can correct me if I'm wrong.
