Miky Lee, Janet Yang, Dominic Ng

Source: CJ ENM

(l-r) Miky Lee, Janet Yang, Dominic Ng

South Korea’s CJ ENM is launching First Light StoryHouse, a film and TV development label aimed at amplifying Asian voices worldwide.

Part of the entertainment giant’s Asian Content Initiative, the label was conceived by CJ Group vice chairwoman Miky Lee; producer and Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Ampas) president Janet Yang; and East West Bank chairman and CEO Dominic Ng.

The label will be managed by Jerry Kyoungboum Ko, who was named head of CJ ENM’s global film business earlier this year.

First Light StoryHouse will initially focus on identifying and supporting authentic Asian and Asian American stories geared to global audiences. It will support the development of film and scripted TV projects led by Asian creators and act as an investor and co-producer, working to set partnerships with studios, production companies and streamers.

“Recent successes from Asian storytellers have shown the potential and authenticity of their stories,” said Lee. “Through this effort, we aim to spotlight these voices, believing in the power of storytelling to bridge cultures. Janet Yang and Dominic Ng have long championed this mission, and together, we are committed to empowering these stories on the global stage.”

Los Angeles-based Yang said: “In Miky Lee and Dominic Ng, I’ve found kindred spirits - true champions for cross-cultural storytelling. Given CJ’s game-changing contributions to global culture and Dominic’s commitment to building cultural bridges, we’ve discussed our aligned interests over many conversations and have decided to create a venture together. I couldn’t be more privileged to partner with them on this endeavour.”

Ng added: “At East West Bank and beyond, I’ve long strived to support artistic endeavours that are forces for good. I deeply admire leaders like Miky Lee and Janet Yang, who not only pursue their dreams but make the dreams of others come true. This joint effort behind First Light StoryHouse will serve as a powerful connector between the East and West, fostering deeper understanding and expanding opportunities for creative voices. I’m honoured to help build this bridge alongside CJ ENM.”

CJ ENM is Korea’s leading entertainment firm and this year marks its 30th anniversary, which the company has declared its “first official year of global expansion”.

Internationally, it is still perhaps best-known as the producer of Oscar-winner Parasite, hit K-drama Queen Of Tears, and K-pop brands such as KCON and the MAMA Awards. The group operates production powerhouses including drama outfit Studio Dragon, US-based studio Fifth Season, and CJ ENM Studios, as well as Korea’s leading streamer, TVING.

It announced last week that it is launching a wholly-owned subsidiary in Saudi Arabia to pursue collaborations in the Middle East and North Africa. In March, CJ ENM signed a three-year partnership with the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures to spotlight Asian cinema in Hollywood.

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