Michelle Topham 
In a bold move that highlights the unstoppable rise of Korean entertainment, TVING has officially partnered with Disney+ to bring the “TVING Collection” to Disney+ Japan, starting November 5th.
The announcement, made on November 4th, marks a groundbreaking moment in the Asia-Pacific streaming landscape.
After all, it’s the first time Disney+ has ever opened a dedicated space for a local OTT brand within its platform in the region.
A First-of-Its-Kind Alliance
Japan remains one of the most competitive streaming markets in the world, where Disney+ enjoys a loyal fanbase and powerful brand recognition.
By teaming up with TVING, Disney+ adds a major dose of K-content appeal for one of the most in-demand genres among global viewers.
“This partnership allows Disney+ to expand the diversity of its lineup while giving TVING a meaningful foothold in Japan’s premium streaming space,” said a CJ ENM spokesperson in a press release.
Through the collaboration, Disney+ will combine its world-class catalog with TVING’s beloved original content, crafting a distinctive entertainment hub that appeals to both Japanese audiences and global K-content fans.
What Viewers Can Expect
Beginning this week, subscribers in Japan can explore the new TVING Collection, featuring a curated mix of TVING Originals and CJ ENM blockbusters from hit dramas and variety shows to must-watch films.
According to reports, up to 60 titles from CJ ENM’s library will initially roll out on Disney+ Japan, giving viewers unprecedented access to premium Korean content within the Disney+ ecosystem.
These include newer dramas and older K-dramas like Reply 1988 and Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (aka Goblin).
Among the highlights is TVING’s much-anticipated original drama Dear X, premiering simultaneously across 19 countries, including South Korea, Japan, and throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
Directed by Lee Eung Bok (known for Goblin and Descendants of the Sun among many others), and starring Kim You Jung and Kim Young Dae, the series adapts a popular webtoon of the same name that has been popular with readers worldwide.
Fueling Global Growth for K-Content
Industry analysts see the move as a strategic win for both parties.
Disney+ gains an immediate edge in Japan’s saturated OTT market through fresh Korean storytelling, while TVING sidesteps the challenges of launching a standalone service abroad.
For Korean creators and production companies, the implications are equally exciting.
By securing distribution through Disney+, their projects will reach millions of new viewers, accelerating the international momentum of K-dramas and variety shows.
“This kind of collaboration signals the next stage of globalization for K-content,” said one media analyst quoted in The Korea Herald. “It’s no longer just about exporting shows. It’s about embedding Korean creativity into the global streaming fabric.”
The Bigger Picture
Launched in 2020, TVING is backed by CJ ENM, Naver, and JTBC, and has quickly emerged as a leader in Korea’s homegrown streaming market.
The company’s global push comes amid intensifying domestic competition and the need to expand internationally.
By linking up with Disney+, TVING takes a major step toward that goal. Thus, hopefully, transforming Korean entertainment from a cultural export into a global streaming mainstay.
As the TVING Collection makes its debut, fans in Japan are set to experience a new wave of K-content magic, that will now be streaming side-by-side with Disney’s beloved classics and Hollywood hits.
Heck, I’m a little bit jealous of Japanese K-drama fans, aren’t you?
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