Korean Entertainment Giant CJ ENM Partners with Shahid for MENA Streaming Expansion
Korean entertainment powerhouse CJ ENM has announced a groundbreaking content partnership with Shahid, the largest Arabic-language streaming platform in the Middle East and North Africa region. This collaboration is part of CJ ENM’s global expansion strategy and aims to introduce 20 premium Korean series from its catalog to Shahid’s platform starting June 19. It marks CJ ENM’s first significant venture into the MENA streaming market and signifies a strategic move to reach a wider audience in the Arabic-speaking entertainment landscape.
The content lineup includes some of CJ ENM’s most popular titles, such as romantic comedies like “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim,” recent hit “Lovely Runner,” psychological thriller “Mouse,” and the beloved fantasy romance “Guardian: The Lonely and Great God.” Other series joining the platform are “Another Miss Oh,” “Her Private Life,” “Search: WWW,” “My Lovely Liar,” “Hotel Del Luna,” “Doom at Your Service,” and crime melodrama “Flower of Evil.”
Sebastian Kim, VP of International Content Business at CJ ENM, highlighted the global appeal of Korean dramas, citing their cinematic production quality, emotionally resonant plots, and compelling characters. He expressed excitement about bringing CJ ENM’s content to a new audience through Shahid and spreading K-culture syndrome across the MENA region.
The partnership with Shahid comes as CJ ENM celebrates its 30th anniversary and continues to expand internationally. The company recently secured a deal with Mexico’s Imagen Televisión for a prime-time slot dedicated to Korean dramas on national television, in addition to receiving multiple nominations at the Banff Rockie Awards.
Tarek Alibrahim, General Manager of MBC1 and MBC Drama, and General Manager of Content at Shahid, expressed Shahid’s commitment to offering diverse, world-class entertainment to its viewers. He stated that the partnership with CJ ENM marks a new chapter for K-content in MENA and reflects Shahid’s dedication to bringing compelling stories from around the world to its audience.
Founded in Korea in 1995, CJ ENM is home to three major production and distribution studios: Studio Dragon, Fifth Season, and CJ ENM STUDIOS. The company also operates Tving, Korea’s leading streaming platform, and organizes events like KCON and the MAMA music awards. CJ ENM’s diverse portfolio includes acclaimed projects like “Parasite,” “Kinky Boots,” “Queen of Tears,” and “I Can See Your Voice,” as well as developing talent like K-pop group Zerobaseone.
