Kakao Entertainment is doubling down on its global expansion strategy with a major partnership alongside Japan’s acclaimed content studio BABEL LABEL.

The deal, unveiled recently, signals a move to co-develop and produce original dramas and films while also adapting Kakao’s vast library of webtoons and web novels into high-quality screen productions.

The collaboration’s first project will be helmed by renowned Japanese director Michihito Fujii, marking his first-ever venture with a Korean company. Fujii, whose nuanced storytelling has earned both critical and commercial acclaim, is widely regarded as one of Japan’s top filmmakers. His previous works include the award-winning The Journalist (2019), which garnered six trophies at the 43rd Japan Academy Film Prize and was later adapted into a Netflix series distributed in 190 countries.

More recently, his 2024 film Faceless set records at the 48th Japan Academy Film Prize, securing 13 wins across 12 categories. Meanwhile, his 2022 hit The Last 10 Years generated over $20.4 million at the Japanese box office, while his Japan-Taiwan co-production 18X2 Beyond Youthful Days drew 2.8 million moviegoers across Asia, grossing approximately $19.3 million.

Founded in 2010, BABEL LABEL has built a reputation as a powerhouse for innovative, genre-blending storytelling. With a roster of top-tier writers and directors, the studio has carved out a niche in Japan’s competitive entertainment industry. Fujii himself has demonstrated a deep appreciation for K-content, having led Japanese adaptations of Korean hits like A Hard Day and Nevertheless,.

Kakao Entertainment’s move to partner with BABEL LABEL aligns with its broader strategy to cement itself as a major global studio. By leveraging its expertise in K-content production and blending it with BABEL LABEL’s distinctive creative style, the companies aim to generate internationally resonant projects.

“BABEL LABEL believes that this partnership with Kakao Entertainment will allow us to reach new heights and explore uncharted territories,” said Fujii. “We’re committed to evolving as a global studio and fostering stronger ties between Korea and Japan’s media industries.”

Jang Se-jung, CEO of Content CIC at Kakao Entertainment, echoed the sentiment: “With the worldwide boom of K-content, global audiences are taking note of the industry’s strong storytelling, production quality, and deep well of story IPs like webtoons and web novels. Through our partnership with BABEL LABEL, we aim to develop innovative projects that will further push the boundaries of K-content on the international stage.”

Kakao Entertainment, which operates a multi-studio system across production houses and talent agencies, is set to bring its IP crossover projects to life in 2025. Upcoming webtoon-based adaptations include MBC’s Crushology, Netflix’s Karma, and Watcha’s Secret Relationship. The company is also backing a slate of high-profile productions starring top-tier talent, such as When Life Gives You Tangerines (Netflix) featuring IU and Park Bo-gum, Nine Puzzles (Disney+) with Kim Da-mi and Son Suk-ku, and Lee Byung-hun’s highly anticipated film The Match, slated for a March 26 theatrical release.

With its latest strategic alliance, Kakao Entertainment is making a decisive play for global dominance, tapping into Japan’s creative powerhouse to further elevate its presence on the international entertainment landscape.