MBC GROUP And CJ ENM Sign Long-Term Partnership

MBC GROUP and South Korean entertainment company CJ ENM have signed a long-term strategic partnership to expand the availability of Korean entertainment across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), strengthening collaboration across streaming and linear television.

Announced at MIPCOM CANNES 2026, the 42nd International Co-Production and Entertainment Content Market, the agreement builds on the companies’ existing relationship and establishes a framework for further cooperation across media, entertainment and production.

A central element of the partnership is the launch of a dedicated TVING space on MBC SHAHID, providing audiences across MENA with a curated selection of Korean content from CJ ENM, TVING and leading South Korean production studios.

The offering will include TVING original productions alongside titles from CJ ENM’s existing library. More than 13 new titles are scheduled to be released during 2026, in addition to more than 20 titles from the existing catalogue. The content offering is expected to expand throughout the partnership.

The initial lineup includes the recently premiered romantic comedy My Bias, My Boss, alongside The Legend of Kitchen Soldier, Filing for Love, The Judge Returns and Our Universe.

Arabic dubbing and subtitles will be available for selected titles. All new titles will also be available for simulcast on the MBC SHAHID app, enabling viewers across MENA to watch the latest Korean series alongside their release in South Korea.

The agreement will extend beyond streaming, with CJ ENM titles set to be introduced exclusively on MBC4 for a specified period. The broadcast schedule will be announced at a later date, expanding the presence of Korean programming across MBC GROUP’s linear television and digital platforms.

The partnership also establishes a basis for broader long-term collaboration between the two companies, including potential opportunities across content development, entertainment and production.

Tareq Alibrahim, Director of MBC1, MBC DRAMA, and MBC SHAHID Content said: "This partnership brings together two companies with a shared ambition: to take great local storytelling to audiences far beyond its home market. CJ ENM has played a defining role in taking Korean entertainment global, while MBC GROUP has built an unparalleled connection with audiences across MENA. Together, we see significant long-term opportunities across content, streaming and entertainment."