Ji Chang Wook First Korea-Japan Drama Merry Berry Love 2026

Korean superstar Ji Chang Wook is breaking new ground with his first-ever Korea-Japan collaboration project. The acclaimed actor has been confirmed to lead Disney+’s groundbreaking romantic comedy series ‘Merry Berry Love’ alongside rising Japanese star Imada Mio, marking a historic milestone in cross-cultural entertainment.

Disney+ Unveils First Korea-Japan Original Series

On November 13, Disney+ made a major announcement at the Disney+ Original Preview 2025 event held at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel. The streaming giant revealed that ‘Merry Berry Love’ (working title) would be their first-ever collaborative original series between Korean and Japanese production teams, set for a global release in 2026.

This groundbreaking project represents a strategic partnership between Korea’s powerhouse production company CJ ENM (known for hits like ‘Parasite’ and ‘Queen of Tears’) and Japan’s leading entertainment network Nippon TV. The series will stream globally on Disney+ while airing on Nippon TV in Japan.

What is ‘Merry Berry Love’ About?

‘Merry Berry Love’ is a cross-cultural romantic comedy that tells the heartwarming story of Lee Yu-bin, a Korean spatial designer whose career has hit rock bottom, and Karin Shirahama, a Japanese strawberry farmer living on a secluded island.

Ji Chang Wook will portray Lee Yu-bin, a talented designer who relocates to a remote Japanese island after experiencing devastating professional failures. There, fate brings him face-to-face with Karin Shirahama, played by Imada Mio, and their chance encounter sparks an unexpected romance that transcends cultural and language barriers.

The series promises to deliver humor, heart, and meaningful exploration of how love can blossom despite cultural differences and communication challenges.

Ji Chang Wook on His First Japanese Production

At the Hong Kong showcase event, Ji Chang Wook expressed his enthusiasm about venturing into Japanese entertainment for the first time. “The character setting itself was very interesting,” he shared with reporters from 14 countries. “I had always wanted to work in Japan. When I received the offer for Merry Berry Love, I had high expectations that it would be a very exciting collaboration.”

The actor revealed unique details about his character’s journey: “My character is set to be unable to speak Japanese, so viewers can expect a clumsy, chaotic, but fun first encounter. As the story progresses, we will depict how communication gradually develops.”

Ji Chang Wook also praised his co-star Imada Mio, noting their natural chemistry despite meeting for the first time through this project. “I think I fit in better with Mio in this drama than in my previous work,” he said. “Meeting her for the first time, I felt she was the most suitable person for ‘Merry Berry Love’.”

Imada Mio: Rising Japanese Star

Imada Mio, known for her roles in ‘Tokyo Revengers’ and the 2025 series ‘Anpan’, brings her fresh talent to this international collaboration. This marks her first major cross-border project and first collaboration with Korean entertainment industry.

Speaking about working with Ji Chang Wook, Imada shared: “Chang-wook is older, so he is like a big brother to me, and I trust him a lot.” Her warm comments hint at the supportive working relationship that will likely translate to authentic on-screen chemistry.

Star-Studded Production Team

‘Merry Berry Love’ boasts an impressive creative team behind the cameras:

Director: Kim Soo-jung, celebrated for directing the popular BL series ‘Semantic Error’
Writer: Lee Jae-yoon, known for ‘The Divorce Insurance’
Developer & Producer: CJ ENM
Co-Producer: Nippon TV
Distributor: Disney+ (global) and Nippon TV (Japan)

This combination of Korean and Japanese creative excellence promises a series that authentically represents both cultures while delivering universal storytelling.

Production Status and Release Timeline

Production for ‘Merry Berry Love’ is already well underway. Imada Mio began filming her scenes first, with Ji Chang Wook scheduled to join the production set in mid-November 2025. The series is being shot on location in both South Korea and various Japanese settings, particularly on a remote Japanese island that serves as a key backdrop for the romantic narrative.

Release Date: 2026 (exact date to be announced) Streaming Platform: Disney+ (worldwide) and Nippon TV (Japan)

Ji Chang Wook’s Busy 2025-2026 Lineup

‘Merry Berry Love’ represents the third upcoming series in Ji Chang Wook’s packed schedule. The versatile actor is currently captivating audiences in the Disney+ thriller ‘The Manipulated’ alongside EXO’s Do Kyung Soo (D.O.).

Looking ahead, fans can anticipate Ji Chang Wook in:

‘Merry Berry Love’ (2026) – Korea-Japan romantic comedy with Imada Mio
‘Human X Gumiho’ – Upcoming K-drama exploring Korean folklore
‘Scandal’ – Another highly anticipated project

Why This Collaboration Matters

The partnership between CJ ENM and Nippon TV for ‘Merry Berry Love’ represents a significant evolution in Asian entertainment. This collaboration breaks down traditional boundaries between Korean and Japanese entertainment industries, which have historically operated separately despite geographical proximity.

Lee Sang-hwa, Chief Producer of CJ ENM’s Global Content Production Team, emphasized the project’s ambition: “We’re delighted to join forces with Nippon TV and Disney+ on a new global project. We plan to present a project that transcends countries and languages so global audiences can feel the excitement and have fun.”

This strategic alliance follows Disney’s broader push to create premium APAC content that resonates with both regional and international audiences. The collaboration between Nippon Television Holdings and The Walt Disney Company (Japan) opens doors for more cross-cultural storytelling in the future.

Themes: Love Beyond Borders

Beyond its romantic comedy framework, ‘Merry Berry Love’ promises to explore deeper themes of cultural understanding, communication barriers, and the universal language of human connection.

As Ji Chang Wook explained: “The drama features themes of humanism and love. The show will explore how love can blossom across cultural barriers.”

The series appears designed to celebrate both Korean and Japanese cultures while demonstrating that genuine connection transcends nationality and language. This message resonates particularly strongly in today’s increasingly globalized entertainment landscape.

Fan Reactions and Anticipation

Since the announcement at Disney+’s showcase event, fans across Asia and globally have expressed overwhelming excitement. Social media platforms erupted with enthusiasm, particularly from Ji Chang Wook’s devoted international fanbase.

Comments like “He is back in romance!” flooded fan communities, as many followers have eagerly awaited Ji Chang Wook’s return to the romantic comedy genre. The actor has proven his versatility through action thrillers and intense dramas, but his charm shines particularly bright in romantic roles.

The unique Korea-Japan collaboration angle has also generated significant interest, with many viewers curious to see how the series will balance both cultural perspectives and create an authentic cross-cultural narrative.

What to Expect from ‘Merry Berry Love’

Based on available information, viewers can anticipate:

Romantic Comedy Elements: A lighthearted, humorous approach to cross-cultural romance with inevitable misunderstandings and heartwarming moments.
Beautiful Island Setting: Stunning cinematography showcasing a remote Japanese island’s natural beauty, particularly strawberry farms that play a central role in the story.
Cultural Exchange: Authentic representation of Korean and Japanese cultures, customs, and social dynamics.
Language Barriers: Creative storytelling around communication challenges, with Ji Chang Wook’s character unable to speak Japanese initially.
Character Growth: Both protagonists overcoming personal and professional failures while finding love and new purpose.
Chemistry: Natural rapport between Ji Chang Wook and Imada Mio, enhanced by their real-life mutual respect and supportive dynamic.

The Significance for Asian Entertainment

‘Merry Berry Love’ arrives at a pivotal moment for Asian entertainment. Korean content has achieved unprecedented global success through platforms like Netflix, while Japanese anime and dramas maintain strong international followings. However, direct collaborations between these two entertainment powerhouses remain relatively rare.

This Disney+ series could pave the way for more Korea-Japan co-productions, potentially creating a new category of Asian content that combines the best elements of both industries. Korean production expertise, storytelling techniques, and global marketing prowess merged with Japanese aesthetic sensibilities and technical excellence could yield extraordinary results.

Streaming on Disney+: Global Reach

Disney+’s involvement ensures ‘Merry Berry Love’ will reach audiences across continents. The streaming platform’s global infrastructure means the series will be available in North America, Europe, Latin America, Australia, and throughout Asia simultaneously.

This worldwide release strategy differs markedly from traditional distribution models where Asian content often faces delays before reaching international markets. Fans everywhere will be able to watch Ji Chang Wook and Imada Mio’s romance unfold at the same time, fostering a truly global viewing community.

When will Merry Berry Love premiere?

Merry Berry Love is scheduled to premiere in 2026 on Disney+ globally and on Nippon TV in Japan. The exact release date has not been announced yet.

Is this Ji Chang Wook’s first Japanese drama?

Yes, Merry Berry Love marks Ji Chang Wook’s first collaboration with the Japanese entertainment industry and his first role in a Japanese production.

Who is Ji Chang Wook’s co-star in Merry Berry Love?

Ji Chang Wook will star alongside Japanese actress Imada Mio, known for her roles in Tokyo Revengers and Anpan.

Where can I watch Merry Berry Love?

The series will be available globally on Disney+ and will also air on Nippon TV in Japan in 2026.

What is Merry Berry Love about?

Merry Berry Love is a romantic comedy about a Korean spatial designer who meets a Japanese strawberry farmer on a remote island, exploring cross-cultural romance despite language barriers.

Who is directing Merry Berry Love?

The series is directed by Kim Soo-jung, who previously directed the popular BL series Semantic Error.

Conclusion: A Historic Collaboration

Ji Chang Wook’s first Korea-Japan collaboration represents more than just another project in the actor’s impressive filmography. ‘Merry Berry Love’ symbolizes the breaking down of cultural barriers in Asian entertainment and demonstrates the increasing appetite for cross-border storytelling.

With a talented cast led by Ji Chang Wook and Imada Mio, experienced directors and writers, and the production might of CJ ENM and Nippon TV, this Disney+ series has all the ingredients for success. As filming continues through late 2025, anticipation will only grow for what promises to be one of 2026’s most talked-about romantic comedies.

For Ji Chang Wook fans and lovers of cross-cultural romance stories, ‘Merry Berry Love’ cannot come soon enough. Mark your calendars for 2026 this is one collaboration you won’t want to miss.