CJ ENM, TBS and U-Next Form Korea-Japan Drama Venture StudioMonowa

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StudioMonowa: A New Korea-Japan Content Joint Venture

A groundbreaking partnership between CJ ENM, TBS, and U-Next Holdings has led to the establishment of StudioMonowa, a joint venture aimed at revolutionizing the content business. The signing ceremony, which took place on April 30 at the CJ ENM Center in Seoul, marked the beginning of a collaboration that brings together the best of Korean and Japanese entertainment expertise.

The core strength of StudioMonowa lies in the combined capabilities of its parent companies. CJ ENM, known for its proficiency in K-drama production, will lead content planning and creative differentiation. TBS, on the other hand, will contribute its original IP pipeline and manage channel releases. U-Next, Japan’s leading streaming service with over 5 million paid subscribers, will handle the distribution of the venture’s original titles on its platform.

The vision behind StudioMonowa is to cover every aspect of the content business, from developing a property to reaching a global audience and maximizing ancillary revenue streams. The studio’s name, derived from the Japanese words for “story” and “harmony,” reflects its mission to create new value by merging Korean and Japanese content seamlessly.

The partnership between CJ ENM, TBS, and U-Next has been in the making since April 2025, when discussions first began between CJ Group chair Lee Jay-hyun and TBS leadership. This collaboration builds on CJ ENM’s successful track record in Japan, including hit projects like the Japanese remake of “Marry My Husband” and the co-production “Love is for the Dogs.”

The launch of StudioMonowa has been met with enthusiasm from all parties involved. Yoon Sang-hyun, CEO of CJ ENM, expressed his commitment to evolving into a leading global premium IP studio through innovative partnerships. TBS CEO Abe Ryujiro highlighted the potential of the venture to captivate global audiences with groundbreaking content, while U-Next CEO Tsutsumi Tenshin emphasized the creation of new hits that will resonate worldwide.

With Japan’s content IP market valued at approximately $45.3 billion as of 2023 and the streaming segment growing at a rapid rate, StudioMonowa is well-positioned to make a significant impact. By leveraging CJ ENM’s planning expertise, TBS’s production capabilities, and U-Next’s platform reach, the joint venture is set to create a new wave of compelling content that transcends borders.

In conclusion, StudioMonowa represents a bold step forward in the collaboration between Korean and Japanese entertainment industries. With a focus on innovation, creativity, and global appeal, the venture is poised to redefine the way content is produced, distributed, and consumed in the modern era.