CJ ENM's 2026 Vision IPs: Mapping the Future of Korean Content

Six carefully chosen IPs now define CJ ENM's vision for 2026. But this isn't just another list of successful shows—it's a strategic blueprint that reveals how Korean content is evolving from hit-making to franchise building.

From Netflix #1 to Cross-Border Collaborations

CJ ENM's 2026 Visionary selections include "Bon Appétit, Your Majesty,""BOYS II PLANET,""Severance" (American series), "Marry My Husband" (Korea-Japan co-production), "Our Unwritten Seoul," and "Study Group." The diversity is striking.

"Bon Appétit, Your Majesty" topped Netflix's non-English TV rankings, proving that Korean historical dramas with culinary twists can captivate global audiences. The show's success demonstrates how distinctly Korean elements—royal court intrigue and food culture—translate universally when wrapped in compelling character dynamics.

What's particularly telling is the inclusion of American series "Severance" and the Korea-Japan co-production "Marry My Husband." This signals CJ ENM's evolution beyond pure Korean content creation toward becoming a global content hub that curates and localizes international properties.

The Character-First Revolution

The selection criteria—"characters and character builders"—reflects a fundamental shift in content strategy. Instead of chasing viral moments or short-term buzz, the focus has moved to creating sustainable IP assets through memorable characters.

"BOYS II PLANET" exemplifies this approach. The survival audition format doesn't just produce entertainment; it manufactures stars. Each contestant becomes a potential long-term revenue stream, whether through the final group formation or individual career trajectories. The show itself becomes a "character builder" that extends far beyond its broadcast window.

Emerging titles like "Study Group" and "Our Unwritten Seoul" suggest a similar philosophy—building worlds and characters that audiences can emotionally invest in, creating the foundation for extended franchises rather than one-off successes.

The New Competitive Landscape

The 2026 timeline is strategically significant. As global streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime ramp up Asian content investments, the next two years will determine which regional players can compete on the global stage.

Korean content sits in a unique position between China's regulatory constraints and Japan's anime-focused strategy. While the "Hallyu" brand opened doors, individual properties now need to stand on their own merit in an increasingly crowded marketplace.

The inclusion of cross-border collaborations like "Marry My Husband" and international content like "Severance" suggests CJ ENM is hedging its bets. Pure Korean content globalization runs parallel to strategic localization of foreign properties—a dual approach that maximizes market reach while minimizing cultural risks.

Beyond the Korean Wave

This selection reveals something deeper about the maturation of Korean entertainment. Early Hallyu success often relied on cultural novelty—audiences were drawn to the "differentness" of Korean content. But sustainable global success requires universal storytelling anchored by compelling characters.

The mix of genres—from historical comedy to survival reality to workplace thriller—shows confidence in Korean creators' ability to excel across formats. It's no longer about exporting a specific type of "Korean-ness" but about Korean storytellers competing in every major content category.