CNNI’s ‘K-Everything,’ a look at Korean cultural influence, premiering May 8

CNN Original Series “K-Everything,” featuring actor, director, producer and social advocate Daniel Dae Kim, will premiere May 9, 2026.

The four-part series, which sets out to examine the explosive global influence of Korean culture, will air on CNN International Saturdays at 8 p.m. Eastern. It will also be available on demand to the network’s streaming subscribers in the U.S.

“It’s both a personal and professional thrill to be able to showcase Korea through our series, ‘K-Everything,’” said Kim in a statement. “There’s never been more interest in its people and culture, so it feels like the perfect time to explore the dynamics of its success. Whether you’re already a K-expert, or a newbie, we hope you’ll be able to gain a unique and fresh perspective on a place that means so much to me.”

“Across four immersive episodes, Kim explores the forces behind Korea’s cultural rise, tracing how distinct traditions evolved into global phenomena. In Seoul, the beating heart of the K-pop industry, he meets with some of the biggest stars in the business to reveal how Korean pop harnessed the devotion of worldwide superfans to dominate the charts,” reads the announcement from CNN.

The series will also feature Kim visiting a Kimchi festival in Pyeongchang along with a broader look at Korean cuisine’s global influence. Kim will also explore the Korean cosmetics industry and the corresponding wave of “K-beauty.”

“K-Everything is exactly the globally minded and culturally curious storytelling that CNN Original Series is known for,” said Amy Entelis, executive vice president for talent and content development, CNN Worldwide, in the statement. “Daniel takes viewers on a dynamic, character-driven journey to explore how Korea’s creative industries have dramatically reshaped music, film, food, and beauty around the world.”

Executive Producers for “K-Everything” are Kim, along with Entelis, Ellana Lee, Jon Jensen, Katie Hinman and Ryan Smith for CNN Original Series. “K-Everything” is the first collaboration between the network’s CNN Originals and APAC-based Global Productions teams.

CNN will also launch a hub of related digital and social content at https://edition.cnn.com/world/k-everything.

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Kim is repped by UTA, Linden Entertainment, ID and Gang Tyre.

“K-Everything” is distinct from CNN’s “KFile” project, named for Andrew Kaczynski, which tackles investigative reporting projects related to the every-growing influence of social media and mobile devices.