Warner Bros. Discovery has joined forces with South Korea’s CJ ENM, the studio behind the Oscar-winning Parasite, in a major multi-year partnership that’s set to reshape the global K-drama landscape. Through this collaboration, the two companies will co-produce original Korean drama series for HBO Max, while also expanding the reach of CJ’s streaming platform, TVING, across the Asia-Pacific region.
HBO Max to Become the New Home of K-Drama
Beginning in 2026, HBO Max will stream hundreds of hours of K-drama content across 17 markets, including Southeast Asia, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. The rollout kicks off with the premiere of Dear X on November 6, marking the first of many original series born from this partnership.
Moreover, this deal builds on CJ ENM’s previous global ventures. In 2020, the company signed a first-look agreement with Warner Horizon to co-produce unscripted series for the U.S. Then, in 2021, it partnered with ViacomCBS (now Paramount Global) to launch Paramount+ in Korea, bundled with TVING.
A Shared Vision for Global Storytelling
Speaking on the partnership, David Zaslav, President and CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, highlighted its importance:
“We are honoured to partner with CJ ENM, a true leader in creating universally popular stories that resonate worldwide. This collaboration marks a cornerstone of our commitment to great locally relevant stories in key markets around the world.”
Echoing that sentiment, Miky Lee, Vice Chairwoman of CJ Group, added:
“We are proud to partner with Warner Bros. Discovery, a global powerhouse whose stories have inspired audiences for generations worldwide. K-content captivates audiences everywhere with its creativity and originality. At CJ ENM, our mission has always been to connect people through the power of storytelling. This partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery takes that mission to a new level, combining Warner Bros. Discovery’s storytelling legacy with CJ’s unique voice. Together, we will deliver authentic narratives that transcend borders on a platform where fans can discover new favourites, revisit timeless classics, and experience the best in global content.”
What Viewers Can Expect
Ultimately, this partnership marks a new chapter for K-drama fans worldwide. As HBO Max expands its reach and CJ ENM brings its signature storytelling to new audiences, viewers can look forward to a diverse lineup of original series, beloved classics, and fresh narratives that reflect the growing global appetite for Korean content.
