Korean entertainment powerhouse CJ ENM has entered into a significant content partnership with Shahid, the largest Arabic-language streaming platform in MENA, marking its first major entry into the region’s streaming market.
The deal represents a key step in CJ ENM’s ongoing efforts to expand its global footprint and reach millions of Arabic-speaking viewers through Shahid’s broad subscriber base. Shahid described it as an “exciting new chapter for Korean storytelling in the MENA region.”
Starting June 19, Shahid will premiere 20 Korean drama series from CJ ENM’s extensive catalog, introducing MENA viewers to a curated selection of popular titles such as ‘Lovely Runner,’ ‘Guardian: The Lonely and Great God,’ ‘Hotel Del Luna,’ ‘and What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim.’
The partnership coincides with CJ ENM’s 30th anniversary and reflects its ambitious international strategy. “As CJ ENM celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, the company aims to expand its global reach of original content to audiences worldwide,” CJ ENM said in a statement.
At a commemorative event in Seoul on April 15th, CJ ENM unveiled its 2025 global music business roadmap, focusing on three main pillars: launching a new global label to connect international artists with fans, producing diverse global content beyond K-pop, and enhancing fan engagement through its digital platform, Mnet Plus.
The company recently announced further expansion plans in Latin America with three major distribution deals in Mexico. Following its initial partnership with Imagen Televisión in April, the company added Televisa Univision and TV Azteca to its network.
Founded in 1995, CJ ENM operates leading production studios and is known for major global hits like the Oscar-winning film ‘Parasite,’ the Tony Award-winning musical ‘Kinky Boots,’ and the music show ‘I Can See Your Voice.’ Its portfolio also includes producing major events such as KCON and the MAMA Awards, as well as managing emerging talent like K-pop boy group ZEROBASEONE. It is a subsidiary of CJ Group, one of South Korea’s largest conglomerates.
