Rei Ami, known for her vocal work in the film “KPop Demon Hunters,” recently shared a profound encounter with reef sharks off the Korean Peninsula as part of this year’s Discovery Channel “Shark Week” lineup. The programming event, which begins July 26 and runs through August 1, features 20 new hourlong episodes exploring various aspects of shark behavior, biology, and conservation efforts.

During her segment, Ami experienced close proximity to approximately 16 reef sharks engaging in a feeding frenzy. Despite initial fear, she described the encounter as awe-inspiring and emotionally overwhelming, emphasizing the unique nature of witnessing predators in their natural habitat. Alongside Ami, actor-comedian Ken Jeong joins the series premiere, “K-Pop Shark Heroes,” though he chose to observe from a distance rather than diving into shark-infested waters.

This year’s “Shark Week” schedule includes a range of segments such as record-setting dives into shark-populated environments, investigations into the triggers behind bull shark encounters with humans, and studies of shark migration trends. The final episode examines the movement of great white sharks off the East Coast and the predatory tactics of thresher sharks, which use their tails to stun prey.

Another notable participant is high diver Molly Carlson, who faced her long-standing fear of sharks by jumping 50 feet from a helicopter into a Plexiglas cage surrounded by reef sharks. Candid about her struggles with anxiety, Carlson aims to inspire viewers to confront their own fears. “You’re allowed to be scared and do it anyways,” she said, highlighting the personal growth she achieved through the project.

The series also follows marine biologist Kendyl Berna, co-founder of the ecology group Beyond the Reef, as her team searches for a rumored 15-foot mako shark off Southern California’s coast—a potential record-breaking specimen. Berna noted that the recent marine heat wave may have contributed to the abundance of prey in the area, enabling mako sharks to grow larger.

“Shark Week” remains a staple of summer television, combining thrills and dramatic storytelling with educational content designed to dispel myths about sharks. Ami emphasized the program’s commitment to science and conservation beneath its entertaining surface, countering widespread misinformation about the ancient predators, which have existed for over 450 million years.

The week’s programming aims to deepen public understanding of sharks while highlighting ongoing research and human interactions with these vital marine species.