Under the Queen's Umbrella

- First Joint Collaborative Event in London: High Demand Leads to Early Sell-out and Enthusiastic Local Response

- Post-Screening Q&A Engages Audience, Reaffirming K-Content’s Rising Status Across Europe

Leading entertainment company CJ ENM and the Korean Cultural Centre UK (KCCUK) successfully co-hosted an exclusive special screening event of The Legend of Kitchen Soldier on May 28 in London.

Marking the first collaborative event between CJ ENM and KCCUK in London, the screening was a major success. The event saw overwhelming demand, as registration numbers soared to four imes initial expectations. The audience was a vibrant mix of key industry executives, media professionals, and avid K-content fans.

The audience enjoyed watching The Legend of Kitchen Soldier together on the large screen, showing great interest in the unique military background and Korean food culture. Elements like the "kitchen soldier" lifestyle, military dining scenes, and authentic culinary expressions felt fresh to the viewers, who praised the series for providing a natural glimpse into Korean society and everyday life.

Following the screening, Diane Min, Head of Europe Sales at CJ ENM, led an in-depth Q&A session with the audience and media. The discussion focused on the global expansion potential of Korean webtoon-based IPs, recent shifts in the global content market, and the rapidly growing appreciation for distinctly Korean backgrounds and sentiments.

The conversation also highlighted how original content from Korean streaming platforms is expanding its global audience reach through international distribution partnerships. Attendees eagerly asked questions about the production process and the broader K-drama industry, leading to a passionate conversation.

Alongside the screening, a specially curated "Korean Food-Themed Reception" was held, where attendees experienced Korean food culture firsthand through refreshments inspired by the drama’s culinary themes. In tandem with this cultural experience, Rakuten Viki added a highlight to the evening by distributing free 1 month subscription vouchers to the audience, providing a seamless transition for viewers to immediately continue binging the full series on Viki.

This collaboration highlights the growing global footprint of K-content, proving that Korean dramas can deeply resonate with UK audiences. By combining CJ ENM’s premium content with KCCUK’s cultural network, the event established a powerful precedent for future K-content promotions in Europe.

Produced by Studio Dragon as a TVING Original, The Legend of Kitchen Soldier stars Park Ji-hoon and Yun Kyung-ho. The genre-bending comedy-fantasy series follows Kang Seong-jae (Park Ji-hoon), a plastic-spoon man who enlists in the military to escape a harsh reality, only to encounter a mysterious virtual “quest” guiding him to become a legendary kitchen soldier. With each quest he clears, he uncovers the unit's hidden issues through this cooking skills.

Regarding the success of the event, Hyo-keon Park, Director of KCCUK, said: 

“As webtoon-based K-dramas continue to expand into global markets in increasingly diverse ways, this event provided a meaningful opportunity to share aspects of Korean everyday culture and emotional sensibilities through the medium of content. Through programmes such as this, KCCUK will continue to introduce the cultural value and creative potential of Korean content to broader audiences.”

Diane Min, Head of Europe Sales at CJ ENM, added:

"We are thrilled by the incredible response from the London audience. Seeing industry peers and fans come together to laugh and connect with The Legend of Kitchen Soldier reaffirms the universal appeal of our stories. This is just the beginning of our journey to bring more diverse, high-quality K-content to the UK market."

As a TVING Original, The Legend of Kitchen Soldier continues to expand its global audience footprint beyond Korea through strategic international distribution partnerships. Meanwhile, The Legend of Kitchen Soldier is currently available on Rakuten Viki, via the TVING Collection on Disney+ Japan, as well as on HBO Max across 17 countries and regions in Asia Pacific.

- Global creators and industry voices reflect on CJ ENM’s long-term contribution to the rise of K-content 

- Daniel Dae Kim highlights Miky Lee’s early vision for Korean culture on the global stage

- CJ ENM recognized for building the creative ecosystem behind K-pop, film, drama and entertainment

- Miky Lee emphasizes authentic storytelling and cultural connection as the future of K-culture

CJ ENM’s long-standing vision for the cultural business and its efforts to expand K-content globally over the past three decades have once again drawn attention from global media and entertainment industry voices.

Hosted and executive produced by Daniel Dae Kim, CNN Original Series <K-Everything>, which premiered globally on May 9, explores the global rise of Korean culture and entertainment. The four-part series examines how K-culture evolved into a global phenomenon shaped by Korea’s unique traditions, creativity and innovation. Throughout the series, CJ’s pioneering vision for the cultural business is highlighted as one of the driving forces behind the growth of K-culture, while CJ ENM is recognized for its leadership across the broader K-content industry spanning film, drama, music and entertainment.

The “K-Pop” episode examines K-pop’s rise into the global mainstream not simply as a cultural trend, but as the result of a carefully built industrial ecosystem. The documentary highlights CJ ENM’s infrastructure and content platforms that helped transform K-pop into a sustainable global industry. Specifically, it introduces global viewers to platforms like <KCON> and the <MAMA AWARDS>—which expanded the connection between fandoms and the industry—alongside audition programs such as <Superstar K> that established the framework for artist development.

The “K-Film” episode traces the evolution of CJ’s cultural business from its investment in DreamWorks in 1995 to the emergence of today’s global K-content era led by CJ ENM. The program introduces a broad range of films including <Joint Security Area>, <Parasite>, <Extreme Job> and <No Other Choice>, underscoring CJ’s long-term role in building the industrial foundation that enabled Korean content to gain recognition on the global stage.

Beyond this, CJ Group Vice Chairwoman Miky Lee is featured as a key pioneer who helped establish K-culture as a sustainable global industry, shaping the very foundation of Korea's entertainment landscape.

Reflecting on CJ’s 1995 investment in DreamWorks, Miky Lee recalled, “My grandfather (Founder Lee Byung-chull) always told us growing up that a nation will have true competitive advantage when the power of culture is combined with industrial and economic growth.” She added “(Through the DreamWorks investment, I learned that) Entertainment business is making intangible assets into tangible, lucrative business. You need to build infrastructure that the creators and artists can continue to create the storytelling and their performance and their creative activity.”

Looking ahead, Lee shared her vision for the future and ultimate goal of K-culture and global storytelling. “As long as we have that good storytelling with authenticity, and as long as our goal is not just promoting Korean culture, (we will be fine) — our goal is to bring everybody together,” she emphasized. She further noted, “That’s what I am doing, I believe. If we can do it, you can do it.”

The series revisits CJ’s long-term commitment to cultural investment. Kim remarked, “Miky Lee was one of the ones who were insisting that one day Korean culture would be at the center of the world,” adding that she “practically built an entire industry to export Korean culture.” He further added that CJ’s support “helped aspiring filmmakers like Bong Joon Ho” by providing “a place to showcase their movies,” highlighting the impact of CJ’s unwavering investment across the K-culture landscape.

CJ’s unwavering commitment to filmmakers is showcased through its support of diverse creators, from Park Chan-wook’s <Oldboy>, which won the Grand Prix at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival, to Bong Joon-ho’s <Parasite>, which won four Academy Awards in 2020. The series highlights how CJ’s long-term support and investment ultimately translated into global recognition at major international film festivals. 

Recalling Parasite’s historic Best Picture win at the Academy Awards, Lee said, “It hit me later just how significant that moment was and that our storytelling could resonate beyond Asia.”

The evolution of Korean storytelling is further illustrated through iconic dramas produced by Studio Dragon, including <Guardian: The Lonely and Great God>, <Mr. Sunshine> and <Genie, Make a Wish>. In addition, the series introduces CGV’s 4DX theaters as an example of how Korea enhanced the theatrical experience through high-tech innovations amid the rapid growth of streaming services and the pandemic era.

Meanwhile, the “K-Beauty” episode features CJ Olive Young, describing the retailer as a leading platform spanning beauty, wellness and lifestyle. The documentary explains that Korea has emerged as a global leader in beauty trends as the K-beauty industry has more than tripled in size over the past 25 years, noting that the worldwide popularity of K-pop and K-dramas played a major role in driving that growth.

Over the past three decades, Miky Lee has led the global expansion of K-culture, acting as a key architect in fostering cross-cultural synergy across the international entertainment landscape. In recognition of her contributions, she has received numerous honors, including the Academy Museum Pillar Award, International Emmy Directorate Award, Korea’s Gold Crown Cultural Medal, the Abu Dhabi Festival Award, the Global Citizen Award, and the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.

Lee currently serves on the board of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, where she continues supporting Asian creators in reaching the global stage. She is also actively involved in discovering and nurturing Asia-based creators and stories through the global label First Light StoryHouse.

The CNN Original Series <K-Everything>, exclusively sponsored by Hyundai Motor Company, is capturing the attention of viewers worldwide with new episodes released every Saturday.

- 120,000 Attendees, 33 Acts and 300 Booths Brought Expanded K-Culture, K-Lifestyle Experiences to Life

- Global Livestream on Mnet Plus, YouTube Reached Fans Worldwide

Tokyo, Japan - May 11, 2026 -  KCON JAPAN 2026 wrapped up, drawing 120,000 attendees with a lineup of 33 acts across three days at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan, reaffirming its position as the world’s largest K-Festival to celebrate everything Korean – from music and beauty to food, story, and lifestyle.  

Presented by Samsung Galaxy as the title sponsor for three consecutive years, KCON JAPAN 2026 featured a star-studded lineup spanning from rookies to veteran K-pop artists and acclaimed actors. Over the three days, fans around the world also joined via livestreamed on global K-POP content platform Mnet Plus and YouTube.

Under this year’s theme “Walk in SOUL CITY,” fans who love Korean culture – KLOVERs (K-Lovers) – were invited to explore a vibrant city filled with K-SOUL, where every corner offers new discoveries of K-Lifestyle and the chance to create a personal “SOUL MAP.”

“This year KCON’s K stood for Korean in every form – K-POP, K-Beauty, K-Story and beyond,” said Harry H.K. Shin, head of CJ ENM’s Music Entertainment. "KCON JAPAN 2026 reaffirmed it as a cornerstone of global K-culture and as a platform where fans can experience Korean culture and discover what speaks to them. KCON is committed to providing new global opportunities for artists and supporting Korean business.”

ONLY AT KCON: STAGES CO-CREATED BY FANS AND ARTISTS

KCON JAPAN 2026 delivered the kind of artist performances that fans can only experience here. M COUNTDOWN STAGE lit up each night, opened by SUNG HAN BIN of ZEROBASEONE as the first-ever KCON GLOBAL AMBASSADOR and expanded this year with bigger daily headliner sets. Highlights included collaboration stages that brought together artists from different groups, plus K-pop cover sets spanning generations  — f(x)'s "Electric Shock," TWICE's "THIS IS FOR," and WANNA ONE's "Beautiful" — alongside KCON signature DREAM STAGE where fans get to have a chance to dance together with their favorite artists.

Beyond M COUNTDOWN STAGE, SHOWCASE on X STAGE introduced 15 rising artists across diverse genres, while the DANCE STAGE drew strong crowds with point choreography taught directly by the artists, cover dance challenges, and random play dance sessions. ARTIST STAGE, where fans could enjoy dedicated sets from their favorite artists, expanded to roughly 7,800 seats this year to welcome even more fans.

FESTIVAL GROUNDS – K IN EVERY WAY

Across all three days, FESTIVAL GROUNDS came alive with 300 booths offering hands-on activities and immersive experiences. Title sponsor Samsung Galaxy delivered a one-of-a-kind experience that paired product try-outs with KCON's signature content, joined by 15 additional sponsors including OLIVE YOUNG, bibigo, TVING, Visa, KDDI, Travel Wallet, Samyang, aT, isaac toast, the Seoul Tourism Organization, Nongshim, TEAZEN, the Korea Paralympic Committee, and  the Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange. Additionally, the special K-COLLECTION with KCON JAPAN 2026 — held in partnership with the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, alongside the Large and Small Business, Agriculture and Fisheries Cooperation Foundation — showcased 50 innovative Korean small businesses looking to tap into global markets, up from 40 last year. 

OLIVE YOUNG, South Korea's leading beauty and wellness retailer, made KCON JAPAN 2026 the opening stop of its first-ever OLIVE YOUNG FESTA world tour, with interactive events tied to the OLIVE YOUNG Global App and on-site tips from beauty specialists. A new K-STORY ZONE spotlighted Korean dramas and films through SCREENX THEATER powered by CJ 4DPLEX's three-sided panoramic screen technology and K-CINEMA SHOWCASE on AI in filmmaking. The K-FOOD ZONE recreated the energy of Korea's nighttime streets and food alleys, with tasting corners for Korean street foods and K-desserts that have been generating buzz in Japan.

Since its launch in 2012, KCON has pioneered an integrated K-culture convention platform that seamlessly blends K-pop performances with hands-on Korean cultural and lifestyle content. The festival's next stop is KCON LA 2026, taking place at Crypto.com Arena and the Los Angeles Convention Center from August 14 to 16.