CJ ENM shared insights on K-content’s global growth at KISF 2026, covering K-entertainment format strategies, K-pop content platforms and AI-driven production innovation
At a Glance
- Leading the global format market: Proving the power of original IP through Mnet’s “Couple Palace” securing remake option contracts in 10 European countries and tvN’s “I Am Boxer” maintaining a spot in Disney+’s Global Top 10 for five consecutive weeks
- Platform & tech innovation: Unveiling Mnet Plus’ vertical fandom expansion strategies and Studio Dragon’s cutting-edge AI-driven television drama production process innovations
- Future growth blueprints: Emphasizing a new era of growth driven by the organic integration of differentiated content competitiveness, robust platform capabilities and AI technology
CJ ENM participated in the Korea International Streaming Festival (KISF) 2026 on June 18, sharing its sustainable growth strategies and global expansion vision for K-content. Through the “2026 International Streaming Summit,” the company presented insights ranging from K-entertainment’s global success to vertical K-pop platforms and AI-driven production innovations.
■ Event Overview: 2026 International Streaming Summit
- Event Name: 2026 International Streaming Summit: Streaming Beyond Borders
- Date & Time: June 18, 2026 (Thursday)
- Location: Haneulyeon Theater, Busan Cinema Center
- Hosted by: Ministry of Science and ICT, Busan Metropolitan City
- Key Agenda: Sustainable growth strategies for K-content, global expansion, AI-driven production, and vertical platform innovations.
■ Key Session Highlights
| Session | Key Topic | Key Speaker / Panel |
| Session 1 | The Rise of Vertical OTT: From K-POP to K-LIFESTYLE | Kris Park CRO, Mnet Plus, CJ ENM |
| Session 2 | AI Transforming TV Production : Case Studies and Process Innovation | Seo Hyun-suk Head of Tech Innovation, Studio Dragon |
| Special Session 1 (Special Talk Session) | The Global Success Strategy of K-Variety Shows | Moderator: Jang Se-hee (Head of Business Development, CJ ENM) Panel: Kim Jung-hwan (Professor, Korea University) Lee Won-woong (Chief Producer, CJ ENM) Lee Sun-young (Chief Producer, Mnet) |
■ [Session 1] The Rise of Vertical OTT: From K-POP to K-LIFESTYLE
Kris Park, Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) of CJ ENM’s Mnet Plus, introduced the future direction of global K-pop content platforms, emphasizing the shift toward fan-centric ecosystems.
“The global fandom formed around K-POP is no longer just consuming content; it is rapidly expanding into communities, commerce and lifestyle sectors. Fan-centric platforms have now become the most critical pillar for K-content as it expands its stage into the global market.”
■ [Session 2] AI Transforming TV Production: Case Studies and Process Innovation
Seo Hyun-suk, Head of the Tech Innovation Team at Studio Dragon, showcased cutting-edge AI technologies currently utilized on production sites and declared a paradigm shift toward a future-oriented content ecosystem.
“Throughout the planning and production stages of drama creation, AI technology is actively used to support creators’ capabilities and maximize production efficiency. Beyond being a simple support tool, AI is a core technology shifting the paradigm of how content is created. Moving forward, we will lead the future content production environment where technology and creativity seamlessly converge.”
■ [Special Session 1] The Global Success Strategy of K-Variety Shows
During the panel discussion, creators and experts shared insights into how Korean variety shows have transcended local boundaries to become a core driver in the global format industry. Professor Kim Jung-hwan of Korea University highlighted the importance of localization:
“From ‘I Can See Your Voice’ in the past to the recent success of ‘Couple Palace,’ Korea has completely transformed. We are no longer a market that benchmarks overseas formats, but one that actively leads and proposes global format trends. For K-entertainment to sustain long-term success, it is vital to deploy comprehensive IP longevity strategies that encompass digital, short-form and live events, alongside a highly localized approach tailored to each region.”
The creators also shared the global performance data of CJ ENM’s original IPs:
| Program | Channel | Global Achievements & Key Data |
| “Couple Palace” | Mnet | Submitted for 2026 International Emmy® Awards Gold Award at the 2025 Venice TV Awards (Light Entertainment, first for a Korean variety show) Secured remake option agreements in 10 European countries |
| “I Am Boxer” | tvN | Submitted for 2026 International Emmy® Awards Disney+ Global Top 10 entry (ranked No. 1 in Korea upon release) Maintained a position in the Global Top 10 for five consecutive weeks |
■ CJ ENM’s Vision for Sustainable Global Expansion
A representative from CJ ENM concluded the summit by sharing the company’s overarching vision for the future of media.
“K-content is entering a new phase of growth, moving beyond the success of individual titles to organically connect content IPs, global K-pop content platforms and AI technology. Leveraging our differentiated content competitiveness, robust platform capabilities and technological innovation, CJ ENM will continuously expand new possibilities for K-content in the global market.”
■ FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q. What is the Korea International Streaming Festival (KISF) 2026?
A. Co-hosted by the Ministry of Science and ICT and Busan Metropolitan City, KISF is Korea’s largest streaming platform festival. It serves as a premier venue for sharing the latest technologies and global trends in the streaming industry, encompassing streaming series, variety shows and short-form content.
Q. What are the key strategies for the global success of K-variety shows?
A. The core strategy goes beyond simple format exports. It involves building a comprehensive IP longevity strategy that encompasses digital, short-form and live events, alongside a deeply localized approach tailored to the specific culture and viewing habits of each target region, as demonstrated by the European remake success of Mnet’s “Couple Palace.”
Q. How is AI being applied in the production field of K-content by companies like Studio Dragon?
A. AI is actively integrated throughout the entire production lifecycle, from initial planning to post-production. Studio Dragon utilizes AI not just as an auxiliary tool, but as a core technology to maximize production efficiency and support creators’ storytelling capabilities, leading a paradigm shift in the content ecosystem.
Q. Into what business areas will global K-pop content platforms expand in the future?
A. Global K-pop content platforms like Mnet Plus are evolving into comprehensive vertical platforms. By integrating community, commerce and lifestyle sectors, they go far beyond simple content consumption. Ultimately, these platforms will serve as the most crucial backbone for the global expansion of K-content.
[Official Channels & Related Links]
CJ ENM: www.cjenm.com/en/
Mnet Plus: www.mnetplus.world/en
Studio Dragon: www.studiodragon.net/en/
[About CJ ENM]
CJ ENM is a leading entertainment company founded in Korea in 1995. CJ ENM’s entertainment division has been continuously shaping the next chapter of K-culture within the global entertainment industry, spanning media content, music, film and performing arts. CJ ENM has created, produced and distributed globally acclaimed content, including the Oscar-winning film “Parasite,” Tony Award-winning musicals such as “Kinky Boots,” hit TV series such as “Queen of Tears,” the globally successful music competition show “I Can See Your Voice” and more. CJ ENM is further pursuing opportunities to develop talent such as leading K-pop boy group ZEROBASEONE and global rookie sensation ALPHA DRIVE ONE. United under the slogan “We live to discover Untold Originals,” CJ ENM has three major production and distribution studios: the drama production powerhouse Studio Dragon, U.S.-based studio Fifth Season and K-content streaming production studio CJ ENM STUDIOS. It also operates No. 1 K-content platform TVING and global K-pop content platform Mnet Plus. CJ ENM also presents KCON, the world’s No. 1 K-Lifestyle Festival, and MAMA AWARDS, the world’s No. 1 K-POP Awards, in order to bring K-culture experiences to people all over the world. To learn more about CJ ENM, please visit: http://www.cjenm.com.
