Deal will see Korean hits from CJ ENM-backed TVing debuting via Disney+ in Japan

Disney+ has struck its latest streaming partnership, this time partnering with South Korean media giant CJ ENM and its joint venture streamer TVing to launch the latter’s shows in Japan.

Dear X

TVing’s drama Dear X

The pact will see Disney+ Japan introducing a TVing Highlights and TVing Collection tile on its service providing access to 60 of the most popular series from the Korean streamer, which is a joint venture with CJ ENM.

Dear X is set to kick off the deal with its launch on 6 November in Japan, coinciding with its Korean debut on TVing, while Reply 1988 and Guardian: The Lonely and Great God are among others set to become available.

Disney+ already offers Korean shows such as Moving and Tempest in Japan, as well as local originals including Gannibal. Netflix is by far the biggest streamer in the country, which is the most lucrative market in APAC.

“As we celebrate five years of Disney+ in Japan, we remain committed to expanding our content offerings to reflect the diverse preferences of audiences,” said

Tamotsu Hiiro, managing director of The Walt Disney Company (Japan), said the deal would help Disney+ expand its offering “to reflect the diverse preferences of audiences. This collaboration with CJ ENM and Tving is a significant step forward in that journey.”

Julie Choi, chief exec at TVing, added that the deal provided a way to “most effectively” get its shows in front of Japanese viewers.

“Through this partnership with Disney, we aim to grow beyond Korea’s number one OTT into a truly global K-OTT platform.”

Tony Zameczkowski, senior vice-president and general manager for Disney APAC, added: “This partnership not only strengthens our Korean content offering but is the beginning of a broader opportunity to deepen our connection with audiences in one of the world’s most dynamic streaming markets.”

Streamers and broadcasters have been striking an increasing numbers of partnerships over the past 12 months as they seek to increase reach in return for less exclusivity on programming. Disney+ already has deals in place with companies such as the UK’s ITVX, Atresplayer in Spain and SIC in Portugal.

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