CJ ENM Studios is ramping up its search for fresh storytelling talent with a second annual content competition, offering 2 billion won ($1.55 million) in prize money to aspiring creators across drama, film, and webtoon categories.
The South Korean entertainment powerhouse plans to leverage its production subsidiaries to transform winning entries into commercial projects, expanding beyond traditional contest formats. Kakao Entertainment joined as the first sponsor for the webtoon category, highlighting growing industry interest in discovering new intellectual property.
Last year’s inaugural contest drew over 2,670 submissions, with six winners currently in development at CJ ENM Studios’ production houses. The company’s approach differs from typical competitions by involving production teams from the early planning stages to increase the likelihood of successful screen adaptations.
The contest opens May 7 for drama and film submissions, with the webtoon category launching in July. Drama applicants must submit scripts for two episodes along with production proposals, while film entries require feature-length screenplays running approximately 100 minutes.
The grand prize winner will receive 50 million won ($38,750), with three excellence awards of 30 million won ($23,250) each and six outstanding achievement awards of 10 million won ($7,750) each. Winners can earn additional incentives if their works are produced.
CJ ENM Studios will announce winners in October, following what company officials described as a rigorous evaluation process. The initiative reflects intensifying competition among Korean media companies to secure original content amid growing global demand for K-entertainment.
