Paramount PicturesInternational (PPI) has announced that CJ Entertainment (CJE) will become theexclusive distributor of Paramount titles in South Korea from February 1, 2007.

The announcement, which was widelyanticipated, follows yesterday's news that UIP's South Korean branch officewill transition to a Universal Pictures International operation as of Jan 1,2007.

CJE was a founding investorin DreamWorks and also distributes that studio's live-action and animationtitles in Korea. The vertically-integrated media and entertainment conglomerate is Korea's leading distributor and has distributed five of thetop 10 releases in 2006 so far.

Paramount's international arm PPI commences operation on January 1, 2007 and will be responsible for the theatrical releaseof Paramount and DreamWorks films in all internationalterritories.

PPI president Andrew Crippssaid: "We are delighted to be entering into this distribution agreement with CJEntertainment, Korea's leading entertainment company. Their experience in distribution willbe a great asset for Paramount going forward and will build on our proud history inthis very important and growing market."