Studio Dragon, a premier content production powerhouse under CJ ENM, dominated the global streaming landscape throughout 2025. This Seoul-based studio achieved success on platforms like Netflix and Disney+ by delivering high-quality multi-genre dramas.
Consequently, these achievements solidified the role of the studio as a central pillar in the international expansion of K-content. The company effectively bridges the gap between traditional broadcasting and modern digital distribution.
The Foundation of a Production Giant
Studio Dragon Corporation began its journey in May 2016 following a spin-off from the CJ E&M drama division. Currently, the company operates its main headquarters at the Dong-ah Digital Media Center in Sangam-dong, Seoul.
The production house entered the KOSDAQ market in 2017 with an initial public offering price of 35,000 KRW. Investors showed immense interest as the public subscription reached a competitive ratio of 320 to 1 during that period.
Since 2018, Studio Dragon has aggressively acquired top-tier production firms such as Hwa&Dam Pictures and GTist. These strategic acquisitions allowed the studio to internalize a vast pool of star writers and talented directors.
A Diverse Portfolio Across All Genres
The studio maintains a massive portfolio ranging from historical epics to modern creature features. For instance, the legendary series Guardian: The Lonely and Great God broke multiple viewership records for cable television in Korea.
Crash Landing on You achieved a peak viewership rating of over 20 percent on the tvN network. This romantic drama eventually became a massive cultural phenomenon across various Asian and Western markets during its run.
Beyond romance, the studio produced gritty investigative thrillers like Stranger and Signal. These shows established a new standard for K-genre dramas and attracted a dedicated international cult following through complex storytelling.
Furthermore, the studio explored unique concepts with series like Yumi’s Cells. This project used a hybrid format of live-action and animation based on a popular webtoon IP to capture a younger demographic.
Breaking Barriers with Global Streaming Partners
Sweet Home marked a significant turning point when it premiered on Netflix in 2020. The series reached the top 10 charts in over 70 countries within a few days of its initial global release.
Specifically, Sweet Home became the first South Korean series to enter the Netflix top 10 in the United States. This achievement proved that Korean creature features could resonate with a broad Western audience.
Analysts identified Sweet Home as the specific title that opened the doors for the global proliferation of Korean dramas. Therefore, the success of this series significantly increased the overall market valuation of Studio Dragon.
Maintaining Momentum in the 2024-2025 Season
During the first half of 2024, Marry My Husband and Queen of Tears led the global performance charts. These titles consistently ranked high on major streaming platforms, proving the consistent hit-making capability of the studio.
Chef of the Tyrant secured the top position on the Netflix Global Top 10 non-English TV list for two consecutive weeks in 2025. This historical culinary drama accumulated over 60 million viewing hours globally.
Lowless City achieved the number one spot on the Disney+ worldwide TV show chart for seven consecutive weeks. This performance demonstrates the ability of the studio to succeed across multiple competing streaming services simultaneously.
However, the studio did not stop at digital platforms alone. It continued to supply high-rating content to domestic channels like tvN and OCN, maintaining a balanced distribution strategy across all media types.
Strategic Expansion into International Markets
Studio Dragon expanded its reach through Amazon Prime Video with titles like Marry My Husband. Specifically, the Japanese adaptation of this series maintained the top rank in Japan for eight consecutive weeks.
The studio established Studio Dragon Japan and collaborated with American producers for Apple TV+ projects like The Big Door Prize. Such moves illustrate a strategic shift toward localized production in major global markets.
Consequently, the studio now exports formats and manages remakes for hits like Hotel Del Luna. These initiatives ensure a steady stream of revenue from intellectual property rights and long-term licensing deals worldwide.
Conclusion: A New Standard for Global Storytelling
Throughout 2025, Studio Dragon effectively proved its competitive edge by bridging the gap between traditional TV and global platforms. The diverse lineup of romance, horror, and thrillers continues to set the benchmark.
This K-content leader now stands as a major player in the international media industry. By leveraging its vast IP library and creative talent, the studio remains poised for further expansion in the coming years.
