Korean and Japanese Studios Expand Joint TV Production
Broadcasters in Korea and Japan are deepening ties through co-produced series to reach broader international audiences.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Television
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Korean and Japanese studios are increasingly producing television projects together, with new content premiering in October 2026. This collaborative strategy shifts focus toward simultaneous cross-border distribution rather than traditional format remakes.
Why it matters
The partnership helps Japanese broadcasters offset declining domestic terrestrial advertising revenue while offering Korean producers new financing and market opportunities. These joint productions allow teams to integrate resources and expertise from the outset of the development process.
Nine out of 14 scripted co-productions released from 2024 through October 2026 centered on romance. In 2023, the Japanese video industry generated $32 billion in revenue, while the Korean industry brought in $12 billion.
The players
CJ ENM
A major South Korean entertainment and retail company that produces film, television, and music content.
TBS
A prominent Japanese television broadcaster that operates a large network of terrestrial channels.
StudioMonowa
A joint venture production entity formed between CJ ENM and U-NEXT Holdings.
The details
Production teams are now developing projects jointly from the start, utilizing efficient Korean filming methods that incorporate editing during the shoot. Recent releases include the thriller kiDnap GAME and the romance series Merry Berry Love, the latter of which reached number two on the Disney+ worldwide television chart.
Timeline
The thriller kiDnap GAME premiered on October 6, 2026.
The romance series Merry Berry Love premiered on October 7, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The rise in joint projects marks a shift from licensing formats toward shared intellectual property development to better compete globally. This strategy follows the pattern set by the 2024 CJ ENM and TBS production deal, which mandates the delivery of at least three dramas and two films.
International viewers can now access co-produced content simultaneously on global streaming platforms like Disney+. This distribution model reduces wait times for viewers who previously had to wait for regional licensing or localized remakes.
The takeaway
The move toward integrated production allows studios to maximize efficiency by combining diverse filming techniques from both nations. Consumers should expect an increase in cross-border content as studios prioritize larger international footprints over fragmented domestic releases.
Further reading
For more trends in global programming, visit our Television section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Koreajoongangdaily.
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