CJ ENM, South Korea's content giant, signs streaming deal with MBC Strike distributor in Middle East

Unveiled at MIPCOM, the deal brings a TV hub with a branded channel to the Middle East and North Africa, simulcasting Korean series across the region, plus an exclusive window on MBC4 via Shahed.

South Korean entertainment giant CJ ENM has formed a long-term partnership with MBC Group to launch a TV-branded hub on Middle East streaming service Shahid, expanding its efforts to reach a wider international audience with its globally bankable Korean content.

The agreement, announced at MIPCOM in Cannes on Tuesday, expands the companies' existing relationship to deliver content on streaming and linear television. This dedicated center will showcase a selection of programs from CJ ENM, its broadcast platform, and other Korean production studios.

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The companies said that more than 13 new titles are planned for release during 2026, alongside more than 20 titles from CJ ENM's library, with the selection increasing during the collaboration. The line-up includes the romantic comedy My Prejudice, My Boss, as well as the recently released The Kitchen Soldier Legend, The Love Case, The Returning Judge and Our World.

All new titles under the deal will be available on Shahid at the same time as their Korean versions, allowing audiences across the Middle East and North Africa to catch the shows at home when they are shown. Arabic dubbing and subtitles are provided for selected programs.

The deal also includes a linear TV component, with CJ ENM's titles airing on MBC4 under an exclusive time-limited window. The broadcast schedule will be announced later.

The announcement did not disclose financial terms, the exact length of the agreement or the launch date of the television center.

Sebastian Kim, vice president of CJ ENM and head of its content distribution business unit, said: "This year's expansion of our partnership to launch an exclusive space with a TV brand is a meaningful achievement, following last year's content supply agreement, which once again emphasizes the competitiveness and growth potential of Korean content in the Middle East." We are making it easier and more convenient for viewers across the Middle East to access and enjoy premium K content through our dedicated TV business hub at MBC Shahid.”

The agreement continues CJ's efforts to expand its international television reach through fixed streaming partners. A TV series launched last November on Disney+ in Japan, followed in January by a branded hub on HBO Max in 17 Asia-Pacific markets, including territories across Southeast Asia, Taiwan and Hong Kong. CJ ENM also expanded its partnership with Amazon Prime Video in July, signing a deal to offer more than 100 Korean titles to the service in India over two years. Many in the Asian industry speculate that TV may eventually try to launch the K-drama service as a standalone offering in key markets around the world.

For MBC, the expanded Korean offering adds to its strategy to offer more international programming to Arab audiences across its broadcasting business.

"This partnership brings together two companies with a common ambition: to bring great local stories to audiences far beyond their home market," said Tariq Alibrahim, content director for MBC1, MBC Drama and MBC Shahid. "CJ ENM has played a defining role in the globalization of Korean entertainment, while MBC Group has built an unparalleled connection with audiences across MENA. Together, we see significant long-term opportunities in content, streaming and entertainment."

Ali Ibrahim added: "The launch of a dedicated TV space at MBC SHAHID, along with Korean content across our TV channels, strengthens the breadth and quality of entertainment we can offer to Arab audiences, and also reflects our broader strategy to build partnerships with international media companies and strengthen MBC Group's position as a gateway between global content and audiences across the region."

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