Variety has reported that a Korean microdrama studio is set for global expansion. The Korean content production company Showbox is set to push its traditional boundaries with a new label, Showbite. 

Showbite will produce series including revenge flicks, romantic comedies, action-thrillers, period dramas, fantasy, mystery, and horror. The revenge slate mainly focuses on female-driven titles including The Fallen Heiress Returns Wicked, They Messed with the Wrong Daughter-in-Law, and Contract Marriage: The Heir’s Hound.

Romance is currently the largest genre in vertical dramas. Showbite is set to release several, including Taste of You, Love in Thailand, The New Hire Is Too Hot to Handle, Love, Again, and My Ex-Bias Problem.

Within the mystery and horror genre, titles include Bridal Shower: The Missing Bride, The Fallen Idol Is Possessed!, and Lucky Horror Live Show. Lastly, Showbite will feature historical and fantasy series, namely The Secret Wife Exchange and Her Royal Queen Energy. 

Showbite will attempt to merge their storytelling expertise with the fast pace of the vertical series, expanding Korean television to a wider audience. Company executives are set to attend the upcoming Busan International Film Festival to meet with potential business partners and discuss the project. 

The label is set to premiere in September on social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Updates on the previously mentioned series will follow the launch.

Many mainstream studios and streamers are delving into the world of vertical dramas. According to mxdwn, HBO recently launched a feature that allows users to search for content via vertical clips. The intention is to expand full vertical series eventually. Disney also added a vertical feature this year. Quibi, a short-form streaming platform, attempted to break ground in the market in 2020. The company went under after only 6 months, likely too early to capitalize on the growing trend.