How a 2008 startup became a powerhouse of the Korean Wave

Entertainment · Published 4 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Next Entertainment World didn't just distribute films; it engineered a multi-industry empire. From dominating domestic box offices to securing massive deals with Disney+, this South Korean giant illustrates how strategic diversification can turn a niche distribution house into a global content juggernaut.

In 2008, Next Entertainment World (NEW) was founded by former Showbox president Kim Woo-taek as a film investment and distribution business. It quickly scaled its reach, evolving from a single-focus entity into a comprehensive conglomerate. By 2013, the company achieved a landmark milestone, surpassing CJ E&M to rank first in domestic audience numbers following the success of hits like Miracle in Cell No. 7, which drew over 12 million viewers.

The company's growth strategy is defined by aggressive diversification and strategic partnerships. It established specialized subsidiaries for music (Music&NEW), global distribution (Contents Panda), sports (Bravo&NEW), and production (Studio&NEW). A key turning point occurred in 2014 when Huace Media Group invested $52.7 million, facilitating NEW's listing on the KOSDAQ market. This capital allowed for deeper expansion into visual effects through eNgine and digital content via NEW ID.

Modern operations focus on high-value intellectual property (IP) and global streaming dominance. Studio&NEW has attracted over ₩56 billion ($47 million) in investment since its 2016 launch, securing a five-year deal with Disney+ to supply at least one project annually. Furthermore, the recent spin-off of NEW Point highlights a shift toward adapting webtoons and games into global projects, exemplified by their upcoming Netflix original series Take Charge of My Heart.

Today, NEW acts as a bridge between Korean content and global platforms. Through Contents Panda, it has distributed over 660 works worldwide, while NEW ID partners with tech giants like Amazon and Roku to export the 'Korean Wave.' This evolution from a local distributor to a global IP architect demonstrates the power of vertical integration in modern media.

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