Singer Rei Ami and actor-comedian Ken Jeong are among the featured personalities appearing in Discovery Channel’s annual Shark Week television event.
The new season features 20 one-hour programmes exploring marine biology, animal behaviour, and shark conservation, along with high-profile celebrity appearances.
Rei Ami, who featured on the soundtrack for the animated film K-Pop Demon Hunters, took part in underwater dives off the Korean Peninsula to observe reef sharks, hammerheads, and bull sharks in their natural habitat.
Reflecting on the experience, the singer said observing 16 feeding reef sharks up close gave her a profound appreciation for the species rather than fear.
Actor-comedian Ken Jeong appears alongside her in the opening programme, K-Pop Shark Heroes, where he chooses to remain on board the research vessel while supervising dives from the deck.
Running until 1 August, the broadcast schedule includes investigations into impressive white shark migration patterns along the United States East Coast and the hunting mechanics of thresher sharks.
One episode features Canadian high diver Molly Carlson, who completed a 15-metre leap from a helicopter into a protective ocean cage surrounded by reef sharks.
Molly Carlson, who has spoken publicly about her personal struggles with anxiety, explained that taking part in the challenge was a way to face a long-standing fear and inspire viewers.
The series also highlights an expedition off the coast of Southern California searching for a suspected 4.5-metre mako shark, which researchers suggest could be among the largest ever recorded.
Marine biologist Kendyl Berna noted that rising sea surface temperatures have boosted local food sources, creating conditions for species like mako sharks to grow larger.
Beyond entertainment, the programming continues to emphasise scientific research, ocean protection, and practical safety advice for swimmers, such as remaining calm and avoiding sudden splashing when encountering sharks in open water.
