"CJ ENM·TBS Collaboration is an Opportunity for Global Market Expansion" [The Future of K-Content③]

Nakatani Yayoi, Executive Director of TBS, Interview
"Watched Over 100 CJ ENM Productions and Was Captivated by the Strength of Their Scripts"
"Aiming for North American Asian Audiences After Succeeding in the Asian Market"

"I believed that CJ ENM's production system should become the blueprint for TBS. My thoughts have not changed even now." Nakatan Yayoi, Executive Director of TBS, who led the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for content co-production with CJ ENM in 2021. Even after four years, he remained confident.

Yayoi Nakatani, Executive Director of TBS

On the 17th, I met Executive Director Yayoi at the TBS headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. He emphasized, "Collaboration with CJ ENM is an important opportunity for global market expansion." It took about three years to lead to actual collaboration. Last year, the breakthrough came through exchanges between creators. He said, "It took time to build trust, but after thorough preparation, we were able to proceed with co-production quickly."

"In the case of dramas, we plan to present one each this year and next year. At the end of this month, we will air a variety show prepared together with tvN. Going forward, co-productions are likely to expand into global projects. Active cooperation from CJ ENM is necessary."

The most needed support is production capability. He was captivated by the ability to complete scripts after watching more than 100 pieces of content produced by CJ ENM. Executive Director Yayoi said, "The first work I saw was 'Misaeng,' and the solid script was impressive, which led me to explore other works. The competitiveness of the scripts was significant enough to succeed not only on tvN but also on global Over-The-Top (OTT) services."

TBS is considering cooperation between OTT platforms beyond content co-production and distribution with CJ ENM. Executive Director Yayoi said, "CJ ENM, which operates TVING, must be considering licensing issues with global OTT platforms. We also own U-NEXT, so we are in a similar situation. We hope to create new synergy through exchanges between OTTs."

The dramas currently being co-produced are broadcast only in Japan. However, he stated, "Last year, 'I Love You,' starring actor Chae Jong-hyup, was introduced to Korea through TVING. The works we are producing this time also feature Korean actors and may be distributed in the same way." He added, "I heard that broadcasting on tvN is also under consideration, and if realized, it would be a historic event. Since we have been collaborating for five years, we expect meaningful results."

This agreement also includes co-production of films. Executive Director Yayoi said, "TBS plans and produces about ten films annually. Recently, two films, including 'Last Mile,' were nominated for Best Picture at the Japan Academy Awards." He expressed confidence, saying, "We can create better works by cooperating with CJ ENM." He added, "We also want to promote projects to turn sequels of popular dramas into films. Such attempts are common in Japan, so we can expect good results."

The ultimate goal of this collaboration is likely content targeting North American Asians. Last year, Disney+'s 'Shogun,' despite having more than 70% Japanese dialogue, received great responses from North American viewers, creating an encouraging atmosphere locally. Executive Director Yayoi said, "It will be a goal after succeeding in the Asian market," emphasizing, "I do not think North American expansion is impossible." He added, "The success of 'Parasite' and 'Squid Game' has proven the potential of Korean and Japanese content in the global market, and we will continue to take on new challenges."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.