CJ ENM Expands into MENA with New Subsidiary in Riyadh

On July 23, 2025, CJ ENM, a leading South Korean entertainment company, announced the establishment of its new subsidiary, CJ ENM Middle East, located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This strategic move marks a significant step in the company’s globalization strategy, aiming to enhance the global presence of Korean entertainment in the MENA region.

Strategic Partnership with Shahid

In June 2025, CJ ENM formed a pivotal partnership with Shahid, the largest Arabic streaming platform in the MENA region. This collaboration will see the supply of over 20 popular titles, including hit dramas such as “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim,” “Jumping with Sunjae,” and “Goblin.” The partnership aims to cater to the growing demand for Korean content in the Middle East and North Africa cultural region, promoting cultural exchange and entertainment diversification.

The Impact of KCON

Previously, in 2022 and 2023, CJ ENM’s Mnet successfully held the KCON event in Riyadh. This concert and convention series showcased the best of Korean pop culture, further solidifying the connection between Korean entertainment and local audiences. The success of KCON events has laid a firm foundation for CJ ENM’s upcoming initiatives in the region.

Goals for the Future

The establishment of CJ ENM Middle East is part of a broader strategy to establish a strong foothold in the MENA region. By partnering with local platforms like Shahid and continuing to host events like KCON, CJ ENM aims to enhance its offerings and reach more fans in diverse markets. This expansion not only benefits CJ ENM but also provides local audiences access to a wider array of quality Korean content.

Conclusion

As CJ ENM continues to expand its global influence, fans can expect an exciting lineup of content and events tailored for the MENA region. This move not only represents a significant milestone for CJ ENM but also reflects the growing popularity of Korean entertainment worldwide.

This article has been written by Kpopmap AI writer and while we have made efforts to ensure the accuracy of the article, there may be errors or inaccuracies.