Newsroom

- Reaches Milestone of 2 million On-Site Attendees, 110,000 fans enjoyed KCON JAPAN 2025 on-site 

- KCON LA 2025 set to take place August 1-3 at Los Angeles Convention Center  & Crypto.com Arena 

Leading entertainment company CJ ENM announced today its KCON JAPAN 2025, held from May 9 to May 11, wrapped with another phenomenal success, surpassing the milestone of 2 million on-site attendees since its inception and once again uniting fans together through an unforgettable celebration of the world’s largest K-POP Fan & Artist Festival.

KCON JAPAN 2025 featured an impressive lineup of performances, fan engagement activities, and cultural exhibitions that showcased the best of K-pop and Korean culture to 110,000  attendees Over the three days, a total of 33 teams delivered approximately 74 performances across various genres with electrifying stages and captivated fans. KCON JAPAN 2025 expanded its global and digital reach through Mnet Plus, bringing the KCON experience to audiences worldwide.

This year’s KCON theme is titled as “KLOVER’S CLUB FAIR,” drawing inspiration from a four-leaf clover, symbolizing good luck and joy to everyone attending the one event fans know has the most access to their favorite artists. Just as each leaf of the clover has its own meaning, KCON featured stages and activities catering to diverse K-pop and K-culture fans, much like a vibrant club fair. 

Fans enthusiastically embraced KCON’s signature experiences: DANCE STAGE for choreography lessons, MEET & GREET for a closer meet-up opportunity with their favorite artists, ARTIST STAGE for intimate 360-degree performances, and X STAGE for genre-crossing shows featuring emerging artists.

Throughout all three days, FESTIVAL GROUNDS buzzed with 270 booths’ activities. In partnership with Korean government agencies, the special K-COLLECTION zone introduced nearly 40 innovative small businesses. 13 corporate sponsors enhanced the experience, with Samsung Galaxy hosting interactive events as title sponsor and CJ Olive Young, Korea’s No.1 beauty and health retailer, demonstrating the global appeal of K-beauty products. Korean food presented by bibigo, Samyang Foods and Nongshim maintained long lines daily, while CJ 4DPlex brought the excitement to remote viewers through first-ever live ScreenX theater broadcasts.

KCON has also served as a premier global marketing platform for companies offering  opportunities to connect with Gen Z and expand their global reach.

Each evening, 'M COUNTDOWN' became the festival's highlight, with ZEROBASEONE's SUNG HAN BIN hosting alongside daily special MCs, joined by fellow ZEROBASEONE member PARK GUN WOOK on Day 1, followed by BOYNEXTDOOR’s JAEHYUN on Day 2 and izna’s BANK JEE MIN on the last day. 'K-POP GENERATION STAGE’ during M COUNTDOWN featured artists delivering fresh interpretations of K-pop classics: KickFlip covered Stray Kids, IS:SUE performed BLACKPINK hits, and tripleS reimagined SEVENTEEN songs, among others. DREAM STAGE, one of the KCON signature scenes, created magical moments by bringing fans onstage to perform with their favorite artists. KCON JAPAN 2025 concluded with a celebration of KCON's milestone of reaching 2 million on-site attendees, selecting a lucky winner during M COUNTDOWN and presenting ‘KCON all-session pass’ and ‘Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.’

“We’re continuing to redefine and recreate what a K-pop festival can be. KCON isn’t just another K-pop festival – it’s the only global platform that brings together every aspect of Korean culture, while creating a truly immersive fan experience,” said Harry H.K. Shin, Head of Music Entertainment at CJ ENM. “What makes KCON unique is our holistic approach to K-culture. We’ve built an ecosystem where fans can fully immerse themselves in K-Pop, K-Food, K-Beauty, while providing a global stage not only for K-pop artists but also for innovative small and mid-sized businesses.”

KCON LA 2025 will take place from August 1st to 3rd at Crypto.com Arena and Los Angeles Convention Center. The first round of artist lineup has been revealed, and the star-studded lineup includes CRAVITY, HxW (SEVENTEEN), IS:SUE, IVE, izna, JO1, LEE YOUNGJI, NMIXX, P1Harmony, Roy Kim, ZEROBASEONE and more. 

Since 2012, CJ ENM’s KCON has been a driving force in fostering a global community around K-pop and demonstrating the immense power of K-pop fandoms, and has been held in Japan, Hong Kong, Germany, United Arab Emirates, France, Mexico, Australia, Thailand, and Saudi Arabia. KCON is a K-culture festival combining masterfully produced K-pop shows with a convention where fans can experience every aspect of Korean culture – from music and fashion, to beauty and food. 

- The awards, presented by the Ellis Island Honor Society, will take place May 10 in New York City

Miky Lee, Vice Chairwoman of CJ, will be awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor at a gala on May 10 in Ellis Island’s Great Hall in New York City. Lee is being celebrated for her incomparable contributions to culture and media leading one of the world’s largest entertainment companies.

“We are thrilled to include Miky Lee as one of this year’s prestigious honorees,” said the Ellis Island Honors Society, which hosts the event. “Over the past three decades, Miky Lee, Vice Chairwoman of CJ Group, has been instrumental in elevating Korean culture to the world stage. As the executive producer of groundbreaking films like Parasite—the first non-English language film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture—and Decision to Leave, she has played a pivotal role in bringing Korean cinema to international prominence. In addition, Ms. Lee’s dedication to nurturing future generations of creators, emphasizing the power of storytelling to foster empathy and unity across cultures are worthy of recognition and celebration."

Lee has significantly enhanced the international recognition of Korean film, television, and music. She has been a strong advocate for cultural dialogue between the East and West, making a substantial contribution to the global prominence of Korean culture. As executive producer of the Academy Award®-winning film Parasite and the Academy Award-nominated film Past Lives, Lee has been deeply connected to the entertainment industry in America for years, including as an early investor in DreamWorks in 1995. Her work has earned her copious accolades, including the 2022 International Emmy Directorate Award, the Pillar Award from the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit in Korea in 2023, and the Global Citizen Award from the Atlantic Council in 2024. Lee currently serves on the board of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, the Berklee College of Music, the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, the Hammer Museum, and the Otis College of Art and Design.

“This evening is a tribute—one that honors perseverance, accomplishment, and service. We recognize the remarkable contributions of 85 individuals to the United States and the world,” said Ellis Island Honor Society Chairman Nasser J. Kazeminy. “These honorees, representing a wide range of disciplines, exemplify the extraordinary potential of a nation built on freedom and opportunity. America's rapid progress is a testament to its ability to harness the energy and ingenuity of its people. Nowhere else in history has freedom and individual dignity been more accessible and protected. When people think of the 'Land of the Free,' the United States stands alone.”

The Ellis Island Medals of Honor have been presented annually since 1986 who represent and contribute to the vibrant tapestry that is America. 2025 honorees include such luminaries as Adrien Brody, Albert Bourla, Frank McCourt Jr., Dr. Frank Luntz, and Nobel Prize winners Dr. James Patrick Allison and former Secretary of Energy Dr. Steven Chu. Past honorees include eight Presidents of the United States, Nobel Laureates Elie Wiesel and Malala Yousufzai; Frank Sinatra; Rosa Parks; Mike Wallace and Rita Moreno. Each of them has earned recognition for their remarkable philanthropic, artistic, intellectual, and humanitarian contributions. The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives officially recognize the Ellis Island Medals of Honor, and each year the recipients are listed in the Congressional Record.

Global entertainment media luminary, producer and Vice Chairwoman of CJ, Miky Lee will deliver the USC School of Cinematic Arts 2025 Commencement address at the graduation ceremony held on Friday May 16, 2025, at the Shrine Auditorium, it was announced by Dean Elizabeth M. Daley. SCA alumnus Jon M. Chu who graduated in 2003 with a BFA in film & television production will speak at this year’s main, university-wide commencement ceremony May 15 at 7:00pm at the Los Angeles Memorial Colosseum.

“Miky Lee is a champion of artists and storytellers and a trailblazer in the evolution of multinational film collaborations,” states Daley. “She loves international cinema and brings that appreciation to every project she produces. Her career stands as a global model of success in the creative industries, and her dedication to creating cultural connection is an inspiration for us all. We are so pleased to welcome her to USC.”

As Commencement Speaker, Lee joins a recent list of celebrated entertainment figures including Brian Grazer and Ron Howard, Matt Reeves, Jon M. Chu, Paul Feig, Jim Gianopulos, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Donna Langley, Barry Meyer, Sumner Redstone, Jay Roach, Stacey Sher and Laura Ziskin.

Miky Lee, Vice Chairwoman of CJ Group, is a visionary leader in the entertainment industry, driving CJ's expansive entertainment and media ventures through its subsidiary, CJ ENM. 

A pioneer who founded CJ’s entertainment and media division and led CJ’s investment in DreamWorks SKG in 1995, her rich history in entertainment leadership is marked by a series of transformative achievements. As an executive producer, she has played a pivotal role in bringing to fruition such acclaimed works as Parasite, the first foreign-language film to win Best Picture at the 92nd Academy Awards; Decision To Leave and Broker, which won Best Director and Best Actor respectively at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival; and Past Lives, a nominee for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay at the 96th Academy Awards.

Her influence also extends beyond the silver screen. A driving force behind K-pop’s global rise, she spearheaded the creation and expansion of KCON, the world’s largest K-culture and music festival, spanning the U.S., the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. She also founded the MAMA AWARDS, recognized as the world’s premier K-pop awards show.

Miky Lee serves on the boards of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, the Hammer Museum, Berklee College of Music, and Otis College of Art and Design. Her contributions to the entertainment industry and the global promotion of Korean culture have earned her numerous accolades, including the 2022 Pillar Award from the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, the 2022 International Emmy Directorate Award from the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, and the 2024 Abu Dhabi Festival Award from the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation. She was also honored with Korea’s highest cultural distinction, the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit, in 2023, and received the 2024 Global Citizen Award from the Atlantic Council for her impact on the international entertainment landscape.

- Outlines Three Key Pillars of 2025 Global Music Business Strategy — Establishment of New Global Label, Global Content Production, Enhancement of Mnet Plus 

- Vows to Keep Spearheading Global Expansion of K-Pop and CJ ENM’s Music Content 

Leading entertainment company CJ ENM’s dramas this year are amassing consecutive hits on global streamers. The K-content powerhouse is exploring different content formulas from classic romantic comedies to raw webtoon adaptations and scoring accomplishments, with its latest romantic comedy <My Dearest Nemesis> ranking at the top in 101 regions on Rakuten Viki, and also reaching heights on Vidio.

<My Dearest Nemesis>, produced by Korea's Leading Scripted TV Studio, Studio Dragon, wrapped up with solid achievements on Rakuten Viki, Vidio, and more. The quirky rom-com piece quickly positioned as a fan favorite immediately following its release, sweeping the top spots in 101 regions for 6 consecutive weeks on the global OTT platform Rakuten Viki including the United States, Brazil, Mexico, France, Australia, and India. With the show also marking the biggest Indonesian streamer Vidio’s first time acquiring an exclusive first run from CJ ENM, <My Dearest Nemesis> became the platform’s top-performing K-drama since it launched, reaching the peak of its K-drama category throughout the show’s broadcasting period.

Previously in January, the company signaled a strong start of its 2025 drama lineup with the TVING original <Study Group> produced by Studio Dragon. An adaptation of the original webtoon based on a high school action story, this fresh take was praised for its acting and visual elements that felt like coming right out of a comic book page. The show also led the number of weekly paid subscribers on the No.1 K-content streaming platform TVING since its release and ranked in the top five in 147 regions on Rakuten Viki.

Jaehee Hong, SVP of Content Business at Rakuten Viki, addressed CJ ENM’s achievements on the platform. Having acclaimed <Study Group> as the “funniest underdog action show you’ll ever watch,” Hong recognized <My Dearest Nemesis> for “delivering a well-thought-out narrative that resonated globally, adding unexpected twists to what may seem as rom-com clichés.”

Also queued up from CJ ENM are the freshly launched TVING original <Way Back Love> and tvN <Second Shot at Love> coming up in May. <Way Back Love> was previously invited to the “On Screen” section of the 2024 Busan International Film Festival for an exclusive premiere, which garnered the audiences’ attention at the festival. The show is the first OTT series produced by CJ ENM’s Film Business Division and is streaming now on TVING in Korea. The highly anticipated <Second Shot at Love> is the story of a self-proclaimed rational drinker who reunites with her alcohol-hating first love and takes on a sobriety challenge in this romance, coming to the No.1 K-content channel tvN in May.

Hyoju Jeon, Head of Global Marketing at CJ ENM said, “CJ ENM is ready to present titles that will undoubtedly captivate global fans’ attention. As a global IP powerhouse, CJ ENM will pursue diverse content portfolios that will provide refreshing and cathartic experiences for the viewers.”

- Three-year partnership to support programming opportunities for Korean and Asian creators

- Partnership starts with support of the Academy Museum’s new exhibition 'Director's Inspiration: Bong Joon Ho' opened on March 23

Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2025, leading entertainment company CJ ENM announced today its three-year partnership agreement with the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.

This partnership aims to expand the presence of not only Korean but also outstanding Asian films in mainstream Hollywood, building on CJ ENM's success in leading Korean cinema's global advancement. For the next three years, CJ ENM will support the Academy Museum’s programs of various Asian creators to global audiences.

Located in Los Angeles, The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is the largest museum in the world devoted to the arts, sciences, and artists of moviemaking.

In support of the partnership, Amy Homma, Director and President of Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and Jenny Galante, Chief Revenue Officer at Academy visited South Korea on March 17. This was the first official Academy Museum leadership trip visiting Seoul, Korea. During their visit, they explored CJ ENM’s cutting-edge facilities, such as the Virtual Production (VP) Stage at CJ ENM Studio Center in Paju and the four-sided SCREENX theater at CGV Yongsan I-Park Mall. They also met with renowned Korean creators to discuss ways to strengthen collaboration with the Korean film industry.

As the partnership's first initiative, CJ ENM has helped support Director Bong Joon Ho's exhibition 'Director's Inspiration: Bong Joon Ho' opening March 23. 2025 (LA time), as well as the accompanying film screening series. This is the first museum exhibition dedicated to the internationally acclaimed, Oscar®–winning film director. Focusing on Bong's creative process and cinematic inspirations, it will display over 100 original items including storyboards, research materials, film posters, concept art, creature designs, props, and on-set photographs. The exhibition space will also feature a creative workspace filled with various objects that inspired Bong's films.

A CJ ENM representative stated, "Since 1995, we have worked tirelessly for 30 years to promote the value and status of Korean cinema. Through this partnership, we hope to contribute to the successful global establishment of Asian creators who possess both distinctive artistry and mass appeal."

“We’re so thankful to Academy Museum Trustee Miky Lee and CJ ENM for their support of the Academy Museum and dedication to showcase Korean Cinema in our galleries and programming,” said Academy Museum Director and President Amy Homma. “'Director's Inspiration: Bong Joon Ho will give our visitors insight and a deepened understanding of Bong’s creative processes, and we are excited to continue to share in-depth explorations of Korean stories in the future through this partnership.”

Miky Lee, Vice Chairwoman of CJ, has been a steadfast supporter of the Academy Museum since joining its Board of Trustees in 2019. She has championed greater diversity and inclusivity, helping to elevate voices of filmmakers from a wide range of backgrounds. She also served as Vice Chair of the Board, and she was honored with the Pillar Award at the 2022 Academy Museum Gala in recognition of her leadership and contributions.

Global in outlook and grounded in the unparalleled collections and expertise of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Academy Museum offers exceptional exhibitions and programs that illuminate the world of cinema.

Leading entertainment company CJ ENM has scored a new milestone with three nominations at the 2025 Banff Rockie Awards, one of the most highly honored recognitions in the global television industry.

As the only Asia-based company to secure three nominations, CJ ENM's recognized titles include <Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born>, streamed globally through Disney+, for Limited Series category, with <LTNS> for Comedy Series: Non-English Language category. Additionally, <Europe Outside Your Tent: France> for Lifestyle category. With such nominations further solidifying CJ ENM’s growing influence and leadership in the global content landscape, this remarkable recognition highlights the company's commitment to creating universally resonating programming that appeals to a vast range of audiences, spearheading K-content trends in the international entertainment industry.

The Banff Rockie Awards are a premier international competition celebrating the most outstanding and innovative programming from around the world. Held annually as part of the Banff World Media Festival, the prestigious awards, spotlight the most forward-thinking and boundary-pushing content in television.

In response to the nominations, Jangho Seo, EVP of the Content Business Division at CJ ENM, said, “We are thrilled to be recognized by the Banff Rockie Awards, one of the most respected platforms for global content. This acknowledgment is a testament to the creativity and dedication of our teams. As K-content continues to gain global attraction, our focus is not only on creating groundbreaking content but also on expanding our distribution network to engage with audiences worldwide. Thanks to these efforts, the success formula of K-content extends beyond rom-com dramas to include differentiated genres, such as comedy, well-crafted period dramas, and entertainment shows—all of which are gaining popularity and receiving industry recognition, including from the Banff Rockie Awards. With this growing trend, we remain committed to ensuring our content reaches viewers from every part of the globe, breaking cultural and geographical barriers.”

CJ ENM’s remarkable presence at the 2025 Banff Rockie Awards further cements its position as a driving force in the global media industry, reinforcing its reputation as a leading entertainment company with distinctive, internationally appealing entertainment.

The winners will be announced at the Banff World Media Festival on June 9. 

Official 2025 Rockie Awards nominees from CJ ENM 

[Lifestyle]

Europe Outside Your Tent: France

CJ ENM 

[Comedy Series: Non-English Language]

LTNS

CJ ENM, TVING

[Limited Series]

Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born

CJ ENM, Studio Dragon, Disney+

Leading entertainment company CJ ENM announced the launch of a co-production game show MUGEN LOOP (ENG: Infinite Loop / Directed by Park Sang-hyuk, Kim A-rim), jointly produced with TBS (Tokyo Broadcasting System), one of Japan's major terrestrial television networks.

MUGEN LOOP (ENG: Infinite Loop) is set in a situation where six challengers, including KOKO of K-pop girl group izna are locked in a confined, hexagon-shaped space, facing a series of high-stakes missions in a battle to win the ultimate cash prize. The contestants move through endlessly connected rooms, identical in color and shape. As long as they keep succeeding in the missions, they can accumulate an unlimited amount of prize money. However, failure comes at a cost—one contestant must be voted out. Beyond intense missions and psychological warfare of deciding who gets eliminated, only one person will claim the total winnings.

Following the strategic partnership set in 2021, CJ ENM and TBS have focused on facilitating co-developments to expand the content portfolios of both parties. Resonating with this objective, MUGEN LOOP (ENG: Infinite Loop), as the very first collaborative unscripted show produced by the two companies, is paving the way for both content providers and creators, providing opportunities to broaden global insights.

Jangho Seo, EVP of Content Business Division at CJ ENM, stated, “As more and more Korean unscripted shows are well-received on a global scale, it has become crucial for both content providers and creators to discover distinctive yet comprehensible ideas that can foster the viewers’ interests. MUGEN LOOP (ENG: Infinite Loop) is a ‘big yet clear-cut’ show that will propose a clear answer to those challenges.”

Seungyong Nam, EVP of Non-Scripted Division at CJ ENM, said, “MUGEN LOOP (ENG: Infinite Loop) is compiled with every element a co-production project can deliver, from original ideas of creators with different backgrounds to a never-before-seen concept. We are sincerely grateful to TBS for being a part of this accomplishment. We believe MUGEN LOOP (ENG: Infinite Loop) can be the next “Genius Game.”

Jun Fukai, Director of Global Sales and Development at TBS Holdings, commented, “This project was born from discussions between top unscripted show creators from TBS and CJ ENM, exploring the future of globally competitive entertainment. Based on a concept provided by CJ ENM, TBS took the lead in shaping the show's creative vision with creative input from CJ ENM.”

Fukai continued, “Korean producers made numerous visits to Japan, engaging in extensive creative meetings to refine every detail, ultimately bringing this groundbreaking show to life. While MUGEN LOOP (ENG: Infinite Loop) will first air in Japan, we are confident that audiences worldwide will be captivated by its unique appeal. Stay tuned for more exciting collaborations between TBS and CJ ENM as we continue to push the boundaries of entertainment.”

MUGEN LOOP (ENG: Infinite Loop), co-produced by CJ ENM and TBS, will premiere on March 24th at 11:56 PM JST.

- Chief Producers of CJ ENM’s Iconic Mega-hit Music Programs Meet for Insightful Talks at Private Special Exhibition “House of the Visionary: Story to Culture”

- Reaffirms Commitment to Driving Global Expansion of K-pop and Music Content Through MCS (Music Creative eco-System)

- <BOYS II PLANET>, <WORLD OF STREET WOMAN FIGHTER> to Open Next Chapter of CJ ENM’s Music Content

Prolific Producer of K-pop Centric Content for a Worldwide Audience to Celebrate their Legacy and Future Through New Special Programming featuring Highlights from Three Decades of Iconic Content