Scripted

Canal+ Distribution has finalized an agreement with LRT to bring two South Korean dramas from the CJ ENM catalog to the Lithuanian FVOD service Epika. This partnership represents the third major contract between the companies, highlighting a rising interest in K-drama narratives within the Baltic region.

Subscribers of Epika now have access to "Happiness", a survival-themed drama that explores psychological conflict and social stratification within an apartment complex under quarantine due to a viral outbreak. Furthermore, the psychological thriller "Strangers From Hell", which follows a protagonist dealing with disturbing neighbors, is scheduled to join the platform's library on April 1st.

The move into the thriller genre follows previous successful acquisitions by LRT that focused on medical and romantic comedy series. These deals underscore the strategic efforts of both Canal+ Distribution and CJ ENM to diversify the types of Korean content available to European audiences.

“We are delighted by this renewed partnership with LRT and are glad to explore a new genre with Epika, after the acquisitions of a medical series and a romantic comedy in the past couple of years. This shows that Korean dramas are meeting their audience in Lithuania and we are glad that LRT keeps trusting us with them,” commented Camille Mury-Découflet, EMEA Distribution Manager at Canal+ Distribution.

“We are truly pleased to continue strengthening our collaboration with CANAL+ DISTRIBUTION. The success of previous acquisitions has clearly demonstrated that Korean dramas resonate strongly with Lithuanian audiences, and we are excited to now expand into a new genre together. At Epika, our ambition is to bring distinctive, high-quality international storytelling to viewers who are increasingly open to diverse and compelling narratives. We look forward to building on this momentum and delivering more exceptional stories to our audience,” commented Karolina Drigotaitė, Head of Epika.

Sebastian Kim, Head of Content Distribution Unit at CJ ENM, stated: "We are pleased to witness the ongoing global expansion of CJ ENM's K-dramas, especially with these two titles that have unique narrative."

Kim added: "As a global IP powerhouse, CJ ENM will constantly introduce the diversity of K-dramas to audiences worldwide, further highlighting the beauty of sympathetic storytelling that everyone can resonate with."