Warner Bros. Discovery and CJ ENM, a leading Korean studio, have formed a multi-year strategic partnership to co-produce Korean dramas and integrate CJ's TVING streaming service into the HBO Max platform across Asia. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for Warner Bros. Discovery, as it represents their most substantial commitment to the popular genre of Korean content. It also highlights CJ ENM's ongoing efforts to expand the global reach of Korean storytelling, exemplified by their success with Parasite and Crash Landing on You.
Starting early 2026, HBO Max subscribers in 17 Asian markets will have access to a dedicated TVING hub, featuring new original K-dramas and CJ ENM's extensive library of scripted and unscripted content. Prior to the launch, several K-content titles will be released, with the highly anticipated drama Dear X premiering on November 6th.
The partnership includes a joint investment and production of original Korean dramas for global distribution on HBO Max. David Zaslav, CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, emphasizing the company's commitment to locally relevant stories in key markets worldwide.
Miky Lee, vice chairwoman of CJ Group, praised Warner Bros. Discovery's global influence and their ability to inspire audiences worldwide. She highlighted the universal appeal of K-content, which has become a global phenomenon, and expressed CJ ENM's mission to connect people through storytelling. The partnership aims to combine Warner Bros. Discovery's storytelling legacy with CJ's distinctive voice.
This agreement is a significant development in CJ ENM's global partnership strategy. Their drama arm, Studio Dragon, has been a key supplier for Netflix since 2019, delivering popular Korean series like Crash Landing on You and Stranger. CJ ENM continues to collaborate with various streaming platforms, including Prime Video and Disney, further solidifying its position as a leading provider of premium Korean storytelling.
JB Perrette, CEO of global streaming and games at Warner Bros. Discovery, noted the alignment of the partnership with the company's strategy and brand, as HBO Max is known for its unique and premium storytelling. Pious Jung, CEO of CJ America and president of content for CJ ENM, emphasized the partnership's potential to drive the sustainable growth of K-culture, which has become a global lifestyle.
