Disney+ Expands Korean Lineup in Japan with Tving Deal: From Reply 1988 to Dear X
Disney+ is expanding its Korean content lineup for Japanese viewers through a new partnership with CJ ENM’s streaming service, Tving. Starting November 5, Disney+ Japan subscribers will gain access to some of Korea’s most beloved dramas and exclusive new releases—all in one place.
A New Era for Korean Dramas in Japan
In a move set to excite fans of K-dramas, Disney+ Japan will begin streaming up to 60 titles from Tving and CJ ENM. These include timeless hits such as Guardian: The Lonely and Great God and Reply 1988, series that helped shape modern Korean storytelling and built massive fan bases across Asia.
But the collaboration isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s also about bringing fresh, exclusive content to fans hungry for new stories. One of the highlights of the partnership is Dear X, a suspenseful thriller starring Kim Yoo-jung, Kim Young-dae, and Kim Do-hoon. The series will premiere on Disney+ Japan on November 6—the same day it debuts in Korea—making it a rare simultaneous release for international viewers.
Tving Collection and “TVING Highlights” on Disney+
To make the experience even easier for viewers, Disney+ Japan is introducing a new feature called “TVING Highlights.” This dedicated section will appear right on the platform’s home page, sitting alongside major Disney franchises, blockbuster movies, and original hits.
Subscribers will also find a “TVING Collection” hub—an organized space where all of Tving’s Korean titles are gathered together. Whether fans are in the mood for heartwarming romances, gripping thrillers, or lighthearted comedies, they’ll be able to browse the full range of CJ ENM’s creations in one convenient location.
Celebrating Disney+ Japan’s Fifth Anniversary
The timing of this collaboration couldn’t be more fitting. As Disney+ marks its fifth anniversary in Japan, it’s using the milestone to reaffirm its commitment to offering a wide variety of entertainment that appeals to local audiences.
Tamotsu Hiiro, Managing Director of The Walt Disney Company (Japan) Ltd., emphasized that the partnership represents a new chapter for Disney+ in the region. “We remain committed to expanding our content offerings to reflect the diverse preferences of audiences,” he said. “By combining CJ ENM and Tving’s compelling Korean storytelling with Disney+’s world-class portfolio of global blockbusters and local hits, we’re creating a richer viewing experience for viewers of all generations.”
A Win-Win for Both Sides
For CJ ENM and its streaming platform Tving, the partnership is a major step toward reaching a wider audience outside of Korea. Julie Choi, CEO of Tving, said that working with Disney provides the perfect opportunity to introduce Korean content to Japanese viewers in a more effective and accessible way.
“Disney has a strong presence and deep history in Japan,” she explained. “Through this collaboration, we can present Tving’s content to local audiences and continue delivering compelling Korean entertainment to global viewers. Our goal is to evolve from Korea’s No.1 OTT platform into a truly global K-content powerhouse.”
Strengthening Disney’s Regional Strategy
Tony Zameczkowski, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Direct-to-Consumer for The Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific, echoed the excitement. He called the partnership a “pivotal moment” in Disney’s strategy for the region.
“As Korean storytelling continues to captivate global audiences, we’re proud to bring CJ ENM and Tving’s most compelling series to Disney+ viewers in Japan,” Zameczkowski said. “This collaboration not only strengthens our Korean content offering but also represents the beginning of a broader opportunity to deepen our connection with audiences in one of the world’s most dynamic streaming markets.”
Expanding the Korean Wave on Disney+
Disney+ has already made impressive strides in the Korean entertainment space. Its lineup includes hits such as Moving, The Worst of Evil, and Tempest—series that have drawn international acclaim for their production quality and storytelling. The addition of Tving and CJ ENM titles gives Disney+ an even stronger foothold in the K-drama wave that continues to sweep global streaming platforms.
By adding an entire library of fan-favorite and newly produced Korean content, Disney+ Japan is positioning itself as a must-have platform for anyone passionate about K-dramas. The collaboration also reflects the growing trend of cross-border partnerships in the entertainment industry, where major platforms join forces to deliver diverse, high-quality content to global audiences.
What Viewers Can Expect
Japanese audiences can look forward to a wide mix of genres—from heart-tugging romantic comedies to edge-of-your-seat thrillers. Classics like Reply 1988 will attract fans of nostalgic slice-of-life stories, while Dear X and other new releases promise a fresh dose of suspense and intrigue.
For Disney+, this move signals a continued investment in local and regional programming, recognizing that the appetite for Asian content—especially from Korea—remains strong. As more viewers turn to streaming for entertainment, collaborations like this are helping shape the future of global content distribution.
The Bottom Line
Disney+ and CJ ENM’s Tving partnership is more than just another content deal—it’s a strategic alliance aimed at expanding Korean storytelling across borders. With over 60 titles, exclusive premieres, and a dedicated viewing hub, Disney+ Japan is gearing up to become a central destination for K-drama lovers.
As both companies look to the future, this collaboration highlights the power of combining global reach with local expertise. For audiences, it means one thing: more stories, more emotions, and more reasons to binge-watch.