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| Ji Chang Wook & Imada Mio Join Forces in Cross-Country Rom-Com ‘Merry Berry Love’, Coming to Disney+ in 2026 |
K-drama heartthrob Ji Chang Wook and J-drama sweetheart Imada Mio are teaming up for a brand-new romantic comedy titled Merry Berry Love (メリーベリーラブ/working title) — and fans are already buzzing.
The Japan–Korea joint production is set to premiere in 2026, airing on Nippon TV and streaming globally via Disney+.
The series will be helmed by Kim Su-jung, best known for the hit BL drama Semantic Error, with a script written by Lee Jae-yoon, the pen behind Divorce Insurance and Inspector Joy.
This marks the first-ever collaboration between CJ ENM — the studio behind global hits like Crash Landing on You and Queen of Tears — and Japan’s Nippon TV, making it one of the most anticipated cross-country projects of the coming year.
🍓 A Strawberry-Sweet Story Set on a Japanese Island
Merry Berry Love follows Lee Yu-bin (Ji Chang Wook), a once-successful Korean space planner whose career took a nosedive after a major professional failure.
Seeking a fresh start, he finds himself on a peaceful Japanese island, where he meets Shirahama Karin (Imada Mio) — a young, warm-hearted strawberry farmer battling an unknown illness.
The drama blends heartfelt emotions and light-hearted comedy, promising to deliver that comforting, healing vibe fans love in both Japanese and Korean romance dramas.
Expect scenic island views, gentle humour, and plenty of chemistry between the leads.
🎥 What the Cast Said at Disney+ Preview in Hong Kong
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The project was officially revealed at the Disney+ Original Preview 2025 held at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel on November 13, where both Ji Chang Wook and Imada Mio appeared in person.
“I’ve always wanted to be part of a Japanese production,” Ji Chang Wook said.
“It feels like an exciting collaboration. I have high expectations for working with Imada Mio, and I’m really looking forward to filming together.”
Imada Mio also shared her thoughts on the international love story:
“At first, we’ll rely on translation tools to communicate, but I think what makes it beautiful is how both characters — and we as actors — slowly connect through effort and sincerity. That desire to understand each other beyond language barriers is what love is all about.”
💡 About the Production
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Title: Merry Berry Love (working title)
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Broadcast: Nippon TV (2026)
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Streaming: Disney+ & TVer (Worldwide distribution by Walt Disney Japan)
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Director: Kim Su-jung (Semantic Error)
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Screenwriter: Lee Jae-yoon (Divorce Insurance, Inspector Joy)
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Main Cast: Ji Chang Wook, Imada Mio
🌏 Why Everyone’s Talking About It
A Japan–Korea co-production on this scale is still a rare gem, especially one bringing together two fan-favourite stars from both sides.
With Disney+ backing the global distribution, Merry Berry Love is shaping up to be a major 2026 highlight for Asian drama fans — a blend of healing romance, island vibes, and cross-cultural charm.
Expect it to hit that sweet spot between a feel-good J-drama and a visually rich K-drama — the perfect comfort show for next year.
Source: Oricon