Get ready for a streaming showdown! Disney+ is shaking things up in Japan by teaming up with South Korean entertainment powerhouse CJ ENM to bring TVING’s hottest originals to Japanese viewers. But here’s where it gets exciting: this isn’t just another content deal—it’s a strategic move to challenge Netflix’s dominance in Asia’s most lucrative streaming market. And this is the part most people miss: it’s also a bold step for CJ ENM to expand its global footprint beyond Korea.
In this multi-year partnership, Disney+ Japan will become the go-to destination for up to 60 of TVING’s biggest hits and CJ ENM’s most beloved dramas, including fan favorites like Guardian: The Lonely and Great God and Reply 1988. The rollout kicks off on November 6 with the highly anticipated Dear X, starring Kim Yoo-jung, Kim Young-dae, and Kim Do-hoon, streaming simultaneously in Korea and Japan. Talk about a grand entrance!
Here’s the controversial part: While Disney+ is known for its global blockbusters, this move raises questions about whether Korean content can truly compete with Western franchises in Japan. Will Japanese audiences embrace TVING’s storytelling as warmly as they do Marvel or Star Wars? Only time will tell.
To make TVING’s content stand out, Disney+ Japan is rolling out a dedicated “TVING Highlights” section on its home screen, right alongside its global hits. Plus, a “TVING Collection” hub will curate the platform’s top-performing dramas and series in one convenient spot. It’s a win-win for viewers craving diverse content.
“As Disney+ celebrates five years in Japan, we’re doubling down on our commitment to deliver a richer, more diverse viewing experience,” said Tamotsu Hiiro, managing director of The Walt Disney Company Japan. “By blending CJ ENM’s captivating Korean narratives with Disney+’s world-class portfolio, we’re creating something special for every generation.”
Julie Choi, CEO of TVING, echoed the excitement: “Partnering with Disney, a brand with deep roots in Japan, gives us a unique opportunity to introduce TVING to local audiences. This isn’t just about expanding—it’s about becoming a global platform that resonates beyond Korea.”
Tony Zameczkowski, Disney’s senior vice president for Asia Pacific, called the deal “a game-changer” for the company’s regional strategy. “It’s not just about strengthening our Korean content; it’s about deepening our connection with one of the world’s most dynamic streaming markets,” he explained. But here’s a thought-provoking question: Can Disney+ and TVING’s combined efforts truly dethrone Netflix in Japan, or will they simply carve out a niche?
This announcement comes on the heels of Disney+’s growing focus on Korean and Japanese originals, including hits like Gannibal and Disney Twisted-Wonderland: The Animation, as well as Korean dramas like Moving and The Worst of Evil. The company plans to unveil its upcoming Japanese and Korean content at a major event in Hong Kong Disneyland on November 12-13. Mark your calendars!
Meanwhile, CJ ENM’s strategy of partnering with global streaming giants is in full swing. Just last month, Warner Bros. Discovery signed a similar deal to co-produce Korean dramas and integrate TVING into HBO Max across Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asia. But here’s the real question: With so many players entering the Korean content arena, is the market becoming oversaturated, or is this just the beginning of a global K-drama boom?
What do you think? Will Disney+ and TVING’s partnership revolutionize Japan’s streaming landscape, or is Netflix’s lead too strong to challenge? Let us know in the comments—we’re all ears!
