Korean heartthrob Ji Chang-wook and talented Japanese actor Mio Imada are set to star in the upcoming cross-cultural romantic comedy series titled “Merry Berry Love” (working title). The show is scheduled to premiere on Disney+ in 2026 and tells the story of a struggling Korean spatial designer and a strawberry farmer who find love on a remote Japanese island. This exciting project marks the first collaboration between Korean entertainment powerhouse CJ ENM and Japan’s Nippon TV.
The announcement of “Merry Berry Love” was made during Disney+’s originals preview event at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, where it was revealed that the series is currently in production in various locations in Korea and Japan. Ji Chang-wook will portray the role of Lee Yubin, the spatial designer, while Mio Imada will take on the character of Karin Shirahama, the strawberry farmer. The series is being directed by Kim Soojung and written by Lee Jaeyoon.
CJ ENM, known for acclaimed projects like “Parasite” and “Queen of Tears,” is leading the development and production of “Merry Berry Love” with Nippon TV as the co-producer. The series is set to air on Nippon TV in Japan in 2026 and will be available for streaming worldwide on Disney+ as part of the strategic partnership between Nippon Television Holdings and The Walt Disney Company (Japan).
The Disney+ originals preview event showcased a diverse range of Japanese, Korean, and global series that will be featured on the platform in the coming years. The collaboration between Nippon TV and Disney aims to bring high-quality content to audiences around the world, with appearances from entertainment personalities from Hollywood, Korea, and Japan.
Nippon TV, a prominent multiplatform entertainment company in Japan, is known for owning nearly 90% of its content IP and has been actively involved in international distribution through anime, formats, and co-production partnerships. One of their notable successes includes the Emmy-winning “Dragons’ Den”/”Shark Tank” format.
With the star-studded cast, captivating storyline, and the backing of two major entertainment companies, “Merry Berry Love” is shaping up to be a must-watch series that will delight audiences both in Japan and globally. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project as it progresses towards its 2026 premiere on Disney+.
