Today’s top Asia stories are MIPCOM closing numbers, which show Japan and Korea leading Asian presence in Cannes (with international distributors talking about the large Thai entourage following the CP Group chairman around the market). Singapore – as usual – took the lead for Southeast Asia, with a showcase that highlighted already-announced programmes and a letter of intent. Asia-related announcements of new deals picked up today, with a second Southeast Asia adaptation of CreAsia Studio’s “My Chef in Crime”. Elsewhere in Asia, Indonesia’s Trans7 grovels after offensive show, “Xpose Uncensored”. Details 

MIPCOM 2025 closes at 10,600 delegates, 3,340 buyers; Japan and Korea lead Asia presence

Mipcom 2025 draws to a close with just over 10,600 delegates – 100 up on last year – from 107 countries, including 88 companies exhibiting for the first time, market organisers RX said this morning as the 2025 event drew to a close.

3,340 buyers attended this year, with the largest representation from the U.S., followed by the U.K., Germany, France and Spain,

Overall, the highest representation in Cannes for the show came from the U.K., followed by the U.S., France, Germany, Türkiye, Canada, Spain, Italy, Japan and Korea.

Lucy Smith, director of MIPCOM Cannes and MIP London said during today’s briefing that bringing the creator economy into the heart of the market “has been the biggest step change in a generation”.

This included YouTube’s highest-ever presence and the first brand-funded summit.

She said activity during the market “feels like a tipping point for the industry”.

MIPCOM closes tomorrow (16 Oct).

CreAsia Studio seals Thai deal for “My Chef in Crime”; local adaptation heads for TrueVisions NOW in Q4 2026

Thailand’s TrueVisions NOW has greenlit a local version of CreAsia Studio’s “My Chef in Crime”, giving the original food/mystery drama its second market in Southeast Asia. The Thai series goes into production in February 2026 and is scheduled to air in the fourth quarter of 2026.

CreAsia Studio, formed in early 2024 by Deepak Dhar and Banijay Entertainment, will develop and produce the eight-episode Thai version with local producer, My Shot.

The Thai show is helmed by Thai producer-writer Pornmanus Rattanavich and scriptwriter Nitikarn Pinmuangngarm, Rapeepimol Chaiyasena and Punnapat Sutthiwong, and is supported by the Department of Cultural Promotion, Ministry of Culture of Thailand and THACCA.

“My Chef in Crime” follows a forensic scientist-turned-chef who becomes the prime suspect in his rival chef’s mysterious death. Using food chemistry and forensic science, he teams up with an investigative police officer to clear his name.

“My Chef in Crime is the first scripted format developed and produced by CreAsia Studio, led by Jessica Kam as EVP and business head.

Indonesia’s Trans7 apologises for mocking Islamic schools; free-TV broadcaster drops “Xpose Uncensored" producer

Indonesian free-TV station Trans7 has issued a public video apology following the suspension of infotainment programme, “Xpose Uncensored", by the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI).

KPI said the 13 October episode of “Xpose Uncensored” mocked Islamic boarding schools (pesantren), their students (santri), and religious leaders (kyai), prompting widespread public criticism.

KPI chairman Ubaidillah said the broadcast disrespected institutions central to Indonesia’s cultural and moral heritage and urged Trans7 to uphold responsible broadcasting that fosters national unity.

The apology, delivered by production director Andi Chairil this morning (15 Oct 2025) via the network’s official Instagram account, expressed deep regret to the leaders, teachers, students, and alumni of Pondok Pesantren Lirboyo, as well as to the wider pesantren community across Indonesia.

As part of its apology, Trans7 said it had terminated its partnership with the production house involved and visited Lirboyo to convey its apologies directly.

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