Korea’s CJ ENM links up with TBS, U-Next to launch StudioMonowa content hub JV

L-R: Abe Ryujiro, president and CEO of TBS, Yoon Sang-hyun, CEO of CJ ENM, and Tsutsumi Tenshin, CEO of U-Next, at the StudioMonowa launch

CJ ENM in South Korea has launched a joint venture with Japanese broadcaster TBS and OTT platform U-Next, called StudioMonowa.

StudioMonowa aims to integrate Korean and Japanese IP, production and platforms into a global content hub, encompassing everything from planning and development to production, distribution and IP expansion.

The name ‘monowa’ combines the Japanese words for story and harmony. The business model will follow a life-time value-based structure, from original IP discovery and investment to drama production, global distribution, secondary works and spin-off businesses.

The strategy is to evolve into a “global premium IP studio by combining Korea’s competitive K-drama production system with Japan’s IP competitiveness.”

CJ ENM will lead content planning and differentiation based on its global production expertise, while TBS focuses on original IP discovery within Japan and driving IP-related businesses and channel releases. U-Next will serve as the primary platform, handling the supply and distribution of original projects.

Yoon Sang-hyun, CEO of CJ ENM, said: “Through our collaboration with the leading content companies representing Korea and Japan, we will introduce hit content that targets not only Asia but the global market. By establishing an innovative partnership that integrates K-content’s systematic planning capabilities with global production expertise from the initial IP development stage, we are committed to evolving into a leading global premium IP studio.”

Abe Ryujiro, CEO of TBS, said: “The ‘trinity’ of CJ ENM’s world-renowned production DNA, TBS’s creative expertise and U-Next Holdings’ powerful platform reach will allow us to showcase groundbreaking content that captivates global audiences and keeps them on the edge of their seats.”

Tsutsumi Tenshin, CEO of U-Next, added: “By consolidating CJ ENM’s global planning expertise, TBS’s top-tier drama production capabilities and the operational know-how U-Next has accumulated as a platform, we are committed to creating new hits that will travel from Japan to the world.”