Adaptations of Korean webcomics and web novels developed in conjunction with CJ Group, as well as a number of new originals, top the 2027 vertical slate announced by FlareFlow’s parent company COL Group, V47 Entertainment and Virtue Asia in Singapore on Wednesday.
The lineup was presented at Inside Microdramas, which organizers described as a one-of-a-kind preliminary.
Korean titles developed with CJ Group include “Idol Once Again,” a fantasy in which a washed-up idol travels back in time for a second chance at fame, and “Genius Doctor Lee Mu-jin,” based on a popular webtoon about a street fighter trained by the ghost of a brilliant doctor. Korea also includes “Private Secretary”, based on a web novel; In the film, a company heir and the secretary who lives with him become close while a dangerous fight over the family inheritance continues.
On the original side, COL Group and V47 are developing “The Vanishing Act,” about the mystery of a magician who disappears on-air during the finale of an international talent show, and “Fortune Chasers,” which combines a scripted reality competition with thriller beats. “1% Better,” a reality format set in the world of sports and fitness, pits unlikely competitors against each other.
The list also includes three of COL’s current top-performing microdramas: “Oops, I Married My Best Friend’s Brother!”, “My Lover’s a Gangster” and “From Doorman to Miss Billionaire” – as IP the companies aim to expand through wider distribution, adaptation and commercial tie-ups. They did not specify what form these follow-ups would take.
COL Group’s FlareFlow has reached 52 million registered users and carries nearly 7,000 short drama plays, reaching audiences in more than 200 countries and regions. The platform topped all rights holders in TikTok’s short drama revenue share rankings for the first quarter of 2026.
The three companies also launched Story Engine, a business model that connects development, production, financing and worldwide distribution. It brings together V47’s development and production arm, Virtue Asia’s expertise in cultural strategy and integration of brands, and COL Group’s genre know-how and international distribution reach. Brands can move beyond product placement and sponsorship to potentially have a stake in the resulting intellectual property as development partners, executive producers or financiers.
“We see a real opportunity for brands to go beyond traditional advertising and become part of the entertainment that audiences actively choose to watch,” said Timothy Oh, chief marketing officer of FlareFlow and managing director of COL Group International. “By combining our genre expertise and international distribution network with the creative strengths of V47 and Virtue, we help brands develop original entertainment IP that can build lasting audience connections and grow across platforms and markets.”
V47 was created by Virtue Asia and Goldfinch International, the UK-based Goldfinch Group’s international expansion vehicle targeting MENA, Asia and Africa.
V47 Entertainment president David Webster said the opportunity lies in developing entertainment that can grow from a single production into something bigger. “By involving brands in the development and financing process, we can give ambitious original ideas the support they need to reach audiences, while also creating opportunities to build franchises and valuable intellectual property over time. The story must always come first, but we’re opening up new ways for brands to become meaningful partners in creating entertainment that people want to watch.”
Virtue Asia, a strategic and creative agency, counts Disney, Google, Spotify, Toyota, Diageo and Shiseido among its clients. CEO Lesley John said brands would no longer go unnoticed by disrupting the culture, but instead must gain a place within the culture. “Microdramas present an exciting opportunity, but success depends on understanding the culture, the audience, and the storytelling that makes people want to keep watching. Our role is to bring these worlds together; translate cultural insight into creative integration that feels unique to the story, adding value not only to the brand’s visibility but to the audience experience.”