Rising entertainment company Artist Group, co-founded by global star Lee Jung Jae, has just received a massive ₩18 billion investment from Maekyung Media Group, which includes top broadcaster MBN. This new partnership sets the company up to become a fully integrated content studio, handling everything from production to distribution. With this momentum, Artist Group is ready to make some serious waves in the global K-content scene!
Artist Group Secures ₩18B Injection, New Era for Lee Jung Jae
The new investment marks an essential moment for Lee Jung Jae, who has expanded his influence from the screen to the boardroom. By combining Artist Company (talent management) with Artist United (AI/data tech), the newly structured Artist Group now oversees a full-stack content operation—from casting and production to marketing and distribution.
With the infusion of ₩18 billion, MBN and Artist Group are building a new collaborative venture: a studio that will manage the entire K-content pipeline. Their goal is to export compelling, high-quality content on a global scale.
Artist Group Aims to Become Second Studio Dragon
With this bold move, Artist Group is being positioned as the “second Studio Dragon”—a nod to CJ ENM’s massively successful drama studio. Artist Group is similarly aiming to dominate the K-drama ecosystem by managing production, talent, IP, and tech within one house.
Unlike most production companies, Artist Group taps into Lee Jung Jae’s star power and connections, backed by a leadership team that knows how to balance creativity with tech know-how.
The MBN Studio Model
The centerpiece of this partnership is the creation of “MBN Studio,” a new integrated production and broadcasting arm. This system allows Artist Group to produce content internally and broadcast it through MBN, shortening the time to market and retaining greater IP ownership.
With this structure, Artist Group gains not only financing and infrastructure but also a broadcast channel and a built-in audience, accelerating its market presence in Korea and overseas.
Tech-Driven Creative Powerhouse
In fact, the 2024 merger with Artist United brought in cutting-edge technology, including big data analytics and proprietary ad-tech platforms like Targeting Gates.
These tools will allow Artist Group to:
- Analyze audience preferences
- Optimize content development and marketing.
- Streamline production efficiency
Additionally, the company has signed an MOU with AI startup Perplexity. It signals a future where artificial intelligence plays a larger role in scripting, editing, and distribution.
Artist Group to Debut with “First Lady”
The first major project under this new system is the upcoming MBN drama “First Lady,” scheduled for release in 2026.
The plot follows a soon-to-be president who asks his wife for a divorce just before taking office. Starring Eugene, Ji Hyun Woo, and Lee Min Young, the drama delivers intense emotion and political tension.
“First Lady” highlights Artist Group’s bold approach to storytelling that blends genres and pushes boundaries.
Not only that, Artist Group also plans to produce the season 2 of “재벌집 막내아들 (Reborn Rich)”.
“We have entered the planning and development stage to make the “재벌집 막내아들 (Reborn Rich).””
Artist Group representative.
Final Thought – Global Ambition, Locally Rooted
With Lee Jung Jae leading the way, Artist Group is showing us a fresh vision of where Korean entertainment is headed. The ₩18 billion investment from Maekyung Media Group is the fuel for Artist Group for bigger stories, more innovative technology, and a global push.
By combining top-tier Korean talent with AI innovation and strong broadcast partners, Artist Group is building something special: a global content powerhouse that stays true to its Korean roots.
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