K-drama expansion is entering a new phase this summer with a major push into the Japanese drama market. Studio Dragon, under CJ ENM, confirmed Thursday it will co-produce three Japanese-language series. The projects reflect a shift from remakes to joint storytelling with Japanese teams and platforms. As a result, the dramas will feature Korean creative leads with Japanese actors and production houses. This step marks a deeper phase in the ongoing K-drama expansion across Asia.
The first of three titles, “Marry My Husband,” lands on Amazon Prime Video on June 27. It adapts a Korean web novel, not the drama, for Japanese viewers with a fresh script. Rising actor Fuka Koshiba plays the lead, and Korean director An Gil-ho oversees production. Studio Dragon partnered with Jayuro Pictures and Shochiku to create the adaptation. Moreover, the production emphasizes cultural crossover while keeping emotional depth and high production quality.
The second project, “Hatsukoi Dogs,” will air on TBS in July. It tells the story of three characters drawn together by a dog with secrets. Korean actor Na In-woo joins Japanese stars Kaya Kiyohara and Ryo Narita in the lead roles. Additionally, Studio Dragon’s team contributed writing and producing, building on a 2011 agreement with TBS. Through this, the K-drama expansion embraces collaborative storytelling rather than simple exports.
Netflix will premiere the third series, “Soul Mate,” in August, produced by Studio Dragon’s subsidiary GTist. The show follows a Japanese man and Korean boxer who meet in Berlin and grow close over ten years. It spans Tokyo, Seoul and Berlin and explores healing through friendship. Shunki Hashizume wrote and directed the series with support from Korean talent. The story reflects the emotional tone often seen in Korean dramas but through a Japanese lens.
Subsequently, Studio Dragon stressed that Japan remains a vital partner for long-term regional growth. According to the studio, these three projects prove the value of full creative exchange. Rather than selling IP, it aims to build international productions with shared vision and resources. The K-drama expansion now prioritizes co-creation with local partners and audiences. Summer 2025 may define a new chapter in Korean drama’s global journey.
