CJ ENM’s long-standing vision for the cultural business and its efforts to expand K-content globally over the past three decades have once again drawn attention from global media and entertainment industry voices.
Hosted and executive produced by Daniel Dae Kim, CNN Original Series <K-Everything>, which premiered globally on May 9, explores the global rise of Korean culture and entertainment. The four-part series examines how K-culture evolved into a global phenomenon shaped by Korea’s unique traditions, creativity and innovation. Throughout the series, CJ’s pioneering vision for the cultural business is highlighted as one of the driving forces behind the growth of K-culture, while CJ ENM is recognized for its leadership across the broader K-content industry spanning film, drama, music and entertainment.
The “K-Pop” episode examines K-pop’s rise into the global mainstream not simply as a cultural trend, but as the result of a carefully built industrial ecosystem. The documentary highlights CJ ENM’s infrastructure and content platforms that helped transform K-pop into a sustainable global industry. Specifically, it introduces global viewers to platforms like <KCON> and the <MAMA AWARDS>—which expanded the connection between fandoms and the industry—alongside audition programs such as <Superstar K> that established the framework for artist development.
The “K-Film” episode traces the evolution of CJ’s cultural business from its investment in DreamWorks in 1995 to the emergence of today’s global K-content era led by CJ ENM. The program introduces a broad range of films including <Joint Security Area>, <Parasite>, <Extreme Job> and <No Other Choice>, underscoring CJ’s long-term role in building the industrial foundation that enabled Korean content to gain recognition on the global stage.
Beyond this, CJ Group Vice Chairwoman Miky Lee is featured as a key pioneer who helped establish K-culture as a sustainable global industry, shaping the very foundation of Korea’s entertainment landscape.
Reflecting on CJ’s 1995 investment in DreamWorks, Miky Lee recalled, “My grandfather (Founder Lee Byung-chull) always told us growing up that a nation will have true competitive advantage when the power of culture is combined with industrial and economic growth.” She added “(Through the DreamWorks investment, I learned that) Entertainment business is making intangible assets into tangible, lucrative business. You need to build infrastructure that the creators and artists can continue to create the storytelling and their performance and their creative activity.”
Looking ahead, Lee shared her vision for the future and ultimate goal of K-culture and global storytelling. “As long as we have that good storytelling with authenticity, and as long as our goal is not just promoting Korean culture, (we will be fine) — our goal is to bring everybody together,” she emphasized. She further noted, “That’s what I am doing, I believe. If we can do it, you can do it.”
The series revisits CJ’s long-term commitment to cultural investment. Kim remarked, “Miky Lee was one of the ones who were insisting that one day Korean culture would be at the center of the world,” adding that she “practically built an entire industry to export Korean culture.” He further added that CJ’s support “helped aspiring filmmakers like Bong Joon Ho” by providing “a place to showcase their movies,” highlighting the impact of CJ’s unwavering investment across the K-culture landscape.
CJ’s unwavering commitment to filmmakers is showcased through its support of diverse creators, from Park Chan-wook’s <Oldboy>, which won the Grand Prix at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival, to Bong Joon-ho’s <Parasite>, which won four Academy Awards in 2020. The series highlights how CJ’s long-term support and investment ultimately translated into global recognition at major international film festivals.
Recalling Parasite’s historic Best Picture win at the Academy Awards, Lee said, “It hit me later just how significant that moment was and that our storytelling could resonate beyond Asia.”
The evolution of Korean storytelling is further illustrated through iconic dramas produced by Studio Dragon, including <Guardian: The Lonely and Great God>, <Mr. Sunshine> and <Genie, Make a Wish>. In addition, the series introduces CGV’s 4DX theaters as an example of how Korea enhanced the theatrical experience through high-tech innovations amid the rapid growth of streaming services and the pandemic era.
Meanwhile, the “K-Beauty” episode features CJ Olive Young, describing the retailer as a leading platform spanning beauty, wellness and lifestyle. The documentary explains that Korea has emerged as a global leader in beauty trends as the K-beauty industry has more than tripled in size over the past 25 years, noting that the worldwide popularity of K-pop and K-dramas played a major role in driving that growth.
Over the past three decades, Miky Lee has led the global expansion of K-culture, acting as a key architect in fostering cross-cultural synergy across the international entertainment landscape. In recognition of her contributions, she has received numerous honors, including the Academy Museum Pillar Award, International Emmy Directorate Award, Korea’s Gold Crown Cultural Medal, the Abu Dhabi Festival Award, the Global Citizen Award, and the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.
Lee currently serves on the board of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, where she continues supporting Asian creators in reaching the global stage. She is also actively involved in discovering and nurturing Asia-based creators and stories through the global label First Light StoryHouse.
The CNN Original Series <K-Everything>, exclusively sponsored by Hyundai Motor Company, is capturing the attention of viewers worldwide with new episodes released every Saturday.
