发布时间: 1/8/2026
DK E&M’s Long-Awaited China Market Push
South Korean content powerhouse DK E&M, the studio behind fan-favorite K-dramas like tvN’s *Marry My Husband* and KBS2’s *Please Take Care of the Five Eagle Brothers!*, has officially locked in plans to enter the Chinese market, riding the wave of the lifted Korean Wave ban. On October 8th, DK E&M CEO Kim Dong-gu shared his team’s long-term vision with palpable excitement, saying, "Even during the over 10-year period dominated by the Korean Wave ban, we never stopped developing the Chinese cultural market. While structural restrictions still exist, we’re systematically preparing our 'one-source multi-use' strategy that links IP exports, remakes, performances, and musicals to align with the shifting market environment." He added, "Beyond simple exports, we aim to showcase the completion of a content value chain where we co-create new IPs with local partners, breathing fresh life into existing intellectual property. This isn’t just about bringing our content to China—it’s about building something new together that resonates deeply with local audiences."
Proven IP Value Chain Expertise Sets DK E&M Apart
DK E&M isn’t just a production studio—it’s built a strong track record in the full IP value chain, spanning original creation, adaptation, and remakes. This expertise hasn’t gone unnoticed: major Chinese content companies are already seeking strategic collaborations with the studio, drawn to its ability to maximize content potential across multiple formats. For years, the team has honed its craft by turning single IPs into cross-media sensations, from small-screen dramas to stage musicals, and this experience is what makes their China expansion plan stand out in a crowded market. Instead of treating content as a one-and-done product, DK E&M focuses on creating sustainable, adaptable IPs that can evolve with different cultural contexts.
Key Chinese Partners Fuel Expansion Plans
The studio’s core partners for this China foray include Wanda Pictures, a leading Chinese firm that covers production, investment, distribution, and theater chains. Hunan TV, a satellite channel focused on drama and variety show production and distribution, is also on board, bringing its deep understanding of local audience preferences to the table. Additionally, partners like Louis Shinshin, Boice, and the China Railway Art Troupe are joining forces on IP-related projects, including broadcast rights exports and remake licensing. Each partner brings unique strengths to the table, from nationwide distribution networks to expertise in live performance production, ensuring DK E&M can cover every angle of the Chinese content market.
Collaborating with Acclaimed Director Kim Se-hoon for Local Success
To kick off its China operations, DK E&M is teaming up with director Kim Se-hoon, whose work *Little Apple* racked up an impressive 2.5 billion views in China. Director Kim, known for helming music videos like Cho Sung-mo’s *Do You Know* and *To Heaven*, will take on the role of DK E&M’s China branch chief. His first project? Producing the original musical *Winter Journey* in partnership with the China Railway Art Troupe, marking the start of the studio’s official China market initiatives. This collaboration is a deliberate choice: Kim’s proven track record with Chinese audiences means he’s perfectly positioned to bridge the gap between South Korean content expertise and local Chinese cultural tastes.
By: Lee Su-jin | sujin06@edaily.co.kr