Disney+ and Hulu to debut Korean‑Japanese rom‑com ‘Merry Berry Love’ in October

Disney+ and Hulu will launch the Korean‑Japanese romantic comedy Merry Berry Love on October 12, featuring South Korean star Ji Chang‑wook opposite Japan’s Imada Mio, Variety reported. The series will be available simultaneously on Disney+ in most international markets and on Hulu for U.S. viewers.

Set against the backdrop of a tranquil Japanese island famed for its strawberry fields, the story follows Karin Shirahama, a dedicated farmer who tends to her crops with a near‑obsessive devotion. Her routine is upended when Lee Yubin, a city‑slicker whose fortunes have taken an unexpected turn, arrives seeking a fresh start. Their contrasting worlds collide, sparking both comedic mishaps and heartfelt moments as they navigate love, family expectations, and the challenges of rural life.

The production is a joint effort between Korean and Japanese studios, with filming taking place on the island of Shikoku, known for its lush landscapes and agricultural heritage. Director Lee Min‑ho, who previously helmed the hit Korean drama My Secret Romance, teamed up with Japanese writer Haruka Saito to blend the two cultures’ storytelling sensibilities. The series marks the first time both lead actors have worked together, bringing together Ji’s action‑drama pedigree and Imada’s experience in Japanese television comedies.

This release reflects Disney’s broader strategy to deepen its Asian content library. Over the past two years, Disney+ has added several Korean‑Japanese co‑productions, such as Seoul Sunset and Tokyo Twist, aiming to capture the growing appetite for cross‑border narratives among global streaming audiences. Variety notes that the platform’s investment in regional partnerships is designed to diversify its catalogue and compete with rivals that have heavily leaned into K‑drama and J‑drama markets.

In the United States, the series will stream exclusively on Hulu, while Disney+ will carry it in territories where Hulu is unavailable, including Canada, Europe, and parts of Asia‑Pacific. Early promotional material suggests the show will appeal to fans of light‑hearted romance and viewers interested in cultural exchange stories. Industry analysts anticipate modest but steady viewership, citing the star power of Ji Chang‑wook and the novelty of a bilingual production as key draws.

Merry Berry Love joins a wave of romantic comedies that blend humor with picturesque settings, a formula that has proven successful on streaming platforms worldwide. As the series rolls out, audiences can expect a blend of heartfelt storytelling, scenic visuals, and the chemistry of two rising Asian stars.