CJ ENM’s legal drama Seocho-dong, which aired on South Korea’s tvN, has launched exclusively on Japanese streaming platform U-NEXT, marking another step in the global expansion of K-drama. Industry watchers say the deal underscores how Korean dramas are evolving from short-lived trends into “killer content” tailored to local markets.
U-NEXT confirmed on Aug. 20 that Seocho-dong began exclusive streaming in Japan last month. The series quickly rose to the No. 1 spot in U-NEXT’s Korean drama rankings for July. To celebrate, the platform is offering a special promotion: the first two episodes are available for free on U-NEXT’s official YouTube channel dedicated to Korean and Asian content.
U-NEXT is Japan’s leading homegrown OTT service, notable for being the only domestic platform to turn a profit. As of 2024, it ranks third in the Japanese market by paid subscribers, behind Amazon Prime Video and Netflix. The service has built its identity on a catalog optimized for local tastes, anchored by Japanese anime and dramas alongside a growing slate of Korean content.
The addition of Seocho-dong highlights U-NEXT’s aggressive pursuit of Korean dramas as core programming, often through exclusives that set it apart from rivals like Netflix and Disney+.
The 12-part drama follows the professional and personal growth of young associates working in Seoul’s Seocho-dong legal district, a hub for South Korea’s major law firms. Written by a practicing attorney, the series grounds its courtroom narratives in real-world experience. The cast includes Lee Jong-suk, Moon Ga-young, Kang Yoo-seok, Ryu Hye-young, and Lim Sung-jae.
Beyond Japan, Seocho-dong has made its way into the top five rankings on streaming platforms across more than 150 countries, reflecting the global momentum of K-dramas. Its exclusive run on a Japanese domestic platform also signals both the rising demand for Korean content in Japan and the strategic importance of K-drama in shaping OTT competition worldwide.
