The high-stakes survival series redefines international co-production, locking in distribution across 18 territories ahead of its October premiere.
Bali- June 17th, 2026- Fuji Television Network, Inc., MakerVille, and SimStory are proud to announce their most ambitious international project to date: the upcoming launch of the premium drama series kiDnap GAME, premiering this October. Anchored by Japan’s Kentaro Sakaguchi as the lead, alongside South Korean superstar Lee Joon-gi, this powerhouse collaboration between Japan, Hong Kong and South Korea has already evolved into massive pan-Asian phenomenon.
kiDnap GAME represents a definitive synergy of cross-border financing and creative collaboration. Principal photography has been underway for over six months across multiple Asian hubs since production commenced in November 2025. While the core creative team is led by Fuji Television’s top Japanese showrunners, the production seamlessly utilizes fully localized crews and elite regional talent, with support from MakerVille and SimStory, in every featured city—including Tokyo, Hong Kong, Seoul, Taipei, Singapore, Bangkok, and Manila. This unprecedented international integration redefines the boundaries of global television.
Conceived three years ago with the bold vision of creating a Japanese-led survival thriller built for a massive global impact, the project has rapidly secured broadcast and streaming distribution across 18 territories including Viu markets across Asia, Middle East and South Africa as a Viu Original, with more to follow. Engineered to captivate an international audience, this high-stakes thriller is being crafted with cinematic tension to ensure the highest standards of production quality.
STORY
The saga kicks off with a wave of simultaneous abductions paralyzing seven major Asian cities: Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, Singapore, Bangkok, Naha, and Manila. As sensational headlines grip the globe, the families of the victims receive a chilling email: “How far are you willing to go to save your loved one? Only one can be saved.” Each contestant in this twisted game is handed a unique set of directives. To rescue their loved ones, they must complete their missions before anyone else. Seven strangers—divided by nationality, background, and faith—are thrust together by fate. But why were they chosen? Who is the mastermind pulling the strings of this survival game? And what is their true endgame? The curtain rises on “kiDnap GAME”—a lethal, high-stakes battle for survival pushed to the absolute limit.
CAST & CHARACTER PROFILES
- Kentaro Sakaguchi (Japan) — Leading Role Taking the helm as the solo lead, acclaimed Japanese actor Kentaro Sakaguchi steps into the shoes of a brilliant detective driven by an unshakable, burning sense of justice.
- Lee Joon-gi (South Korea) Top Korean star Lee Joon-gi delivers a powerhouse, multilingual performance as a brilliant and highly sought-after surgeon pushed to the brink when his young daughter is brutally kidnapped.
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A Truly Global Ensemble — Stars from Across Asia Join Forces Realized through an ambitious multi-language shoot, the series brings together an elite lineup of talent representing the absolute best of Asian cinema and television:
- Alice Ko (Taipei): The multi-award-winning and immensely popular Taiwanese actress brings her seasoned dramatic depth to the screen.
- Stanley Yau (Hong Kong): A powerhouse member of Hong Kong’s premier boy group MIRROR, Yau continues to build a distinguished and versatile career as an actor.
- Carrie Wong (Singapore): One of Singapore’s most prominent and beloved screen stars, lending her captivating presence to the high-stakes narrative.
- Joel Torre (Manila): One of the Philippines’ most revered and respected veteran actors, bringing unparalleled gravitas to the ensemble.
- Praew Narupornkamol Chaisang (Bangkok): One of Thailand’s most compelling rising actresses, rounding out the star-studded regional lineup.
kiDnap GAME is poised to showcase the world-class storytelling and filmmaking capabilities of the Asian entertainment industry to the entire world. kiDnap GAME is scheduled to premiere this October.
Kentaro Shibuya(Head of Content Business Department, Fuji Television Network, Inc.) comments:
As Fuji Television continues its evolution into a full-scale content company, expanding our IP internationally remains a key strategic priority. As our flagship tentpole for this global expansion, kiDnap Game represents a significant milestone as our first-ever primetime terrestrial drama series developed through an international co-production framework. Together with MakerVille and SimStory, we are proud to bring a globally resonant story to life and look forward to delivering compelling entertainment from Asia to audiences around the world.
Kenneth Kam (CEO, MakerVille) adds:
We are truly honored that MakerVille is collaborating with Fuji TV and SimStory to develop and produce the large-scale Asian drama series, kiDnap GAME. From the moment we first learned about the project, we were excited by the opportunity to be part of a production that genuinely spans multiple markets across Asia. It is also a rare privilege to film across different regions and bring together an exceptional cast from different markets. We look forward to bringing kiDnap GAME to audiences in different regions through our Viu OTT platform, while continuing to work together to advance Asian drama production and showcase the strength of Asian storytelling to audiences around the world.
Song Seon-Eui (CEO, SimStory) adds:
kiDnap GAME is a unique project that seamlessly blends high-quality genre storytelling with global market potential. Together with Asia’s leading actors and our esteemed partners, Fuji TV and MakerVille, we are confident that this groundbreaking series will captivate audiences worldwide and offer an exciting new viewing experience.
OUTLINE
■TITLE: kiDnap GAME
■CAST: Kentaro Sakaguchi, Lee Joon-gi, Alice Ko, Stanley Yau, Carrie Wong, Joel Torre, Praew Narupornkamol Chaisang, and TBA
■STAFF
■Directed/Produced by: Yusuke Kato
■Executive Producers: Kentaro Shibuya, Kenichiro Hobara, Kenneth Kam, Song Seon-Eui
■Producers: Yasuyuki Azuma, Dick Hui, Edward Sum, Kim Jong-Hyun, Kim Juna
■PRODUCED BY: Fuji Television Network, Inc. / MakerVille Company Limited / SIMSTORY
About Fuji Television Network, Inc.
Since its establishment in 1959, Fuji Television has shared countless stories of love and friendship, good and evil. Fuji Television has maintained its position as the leading commercial broadcaster in the Japanese media industry, by delivering innovative dramas, variety shows, news, sports programs, and motion pictures. With its established status in premium content production, Fuji Television has accumulated extensive expertise and knowledge in producing hit TV shows, award-winning dramas and films, and globally successful formats, such as “Hole In the Wall”, “Run for Money” and “Iron Chef”, prompting both scripted and unscripted adaptations in local markets, as well as co-producing original content with major global production companies. For more information visit www.fujitv.com .
About MakerVille
MakerVille, a member of PCCW Media Group, focuses on the development of content, talent and events. Committed to creating quality content, including movies, series, variety shows and factual programmes, that appeals to viewers in Hong Kong and around the world, MakerVille endeavours to expand its production and distribution businesses across different media platforms in Asia and beyond by connecting creative talent from Hong Kong and abroad. To learn more about MakerVille, please visit https://makerville.hk.
PCCW Media Group is a member of PCCW (SEHK: 0008)
About SimStory
“You are the Content itself.” We tell stories from the heart, full of humanity. Based on our 20 years of experience in producing TV variety shows and educational programs, we run content businesses such as drama and YouTube content production, artist management, and content commerce. We are waiting for your story here. SimStory creates creative and colorful stories with “SIM”, which means pencil stroke as well as human’s heart in Korean. We want to communicate with the world with creative items and hope that our steps will be an innovation in the media market. For more information about SimStory and our business activities, please visit our official website: https://simstoryent.co.kr/
■News Release (PDF)
https://www.fujitv.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/FINALIZED_JOINTkiDnap-GAME_pressrelease_June2026_ES.pdf