How CJ ENM’s ‘Kitchen Soldier’ and ‘Filing for Love’ Are Rewriting K-Drama’s Global Playbook: ‘Less Made in Korea, More Made With Korea’

CJ ENM's "The Legend of Kitchen Soldier" and "Filing for Love" are being highlighted as examples of a new K-drama strategy that emphasizes global collaboration over solely Korean production. CJ ENM viewed "The Legend of Kitchen Soldier" as a bold and somewhat risky project due to its incorporation of comedic elements. The series screened at Series Mania in Lille in March, with CJ ENM executive Sebastian Kim observing audience reactions. This shift in approach aims to move from "Less Made in Korea, More Made With Korea," suggesting a move towards co-productions and international partnerships. The strategy seeks to leverage global talent and perspectives to create content that resonates more broadly with international audiences, potentially expanding the reach and influence of Korean storytelling. This approach signifies a maturation of the K-drama industry, moving beyond a purely domestic production model to one that is more integrated with the global entertainment landscape.