"Merry Berry Love" Drama: Ji Chang-wook and Imada Mio Lead Korean-Japanese Romance! Details!
- Disha Paul
- Nov 17, 2025
- 3 min read
If you thought the 2026 K-drama season was going to be quiet, think again. Disney+ just dropped one of the sweetest surprises of next year with Merry Berry Love, a Korean Japanese co-production that instantly grabbed global attention.
It was revealed at the Disney+ Originals Preview 2026 event in Hong Kong, followed by CJ ENM confirming their collaboration with Japan’s Nippon TV. From the moment the posters dropped, fans knew this one was going to deliver cozy countryside romance with a soft healing vibe.
What Is Merry Berry Love About?
Merry Berry Love tells the story of two people who meet on a quiet, remote island in Japan. Their worlds could not be more different, yet fate puts them side by side at the exact moment they need it.
The lead male character, Lee Yoo-bin, is a Korean space planner whose career has pretty much fallen apart. He is frustrated, exhausted, and ready to escape the chaos of city life, so he moves to an island, hoping for a fresh start.
On the same island, we meet Shirahama Karin, a young Japanese strawberry farmer who lives a simple but meaningful life. She has grown up around the fields and has no plans of leaving her peaceful routine anytime soon. Her world is stable until Lee Yoo-bin appears.
Their first encounter is expected to be awkward, sweet, and probably a little comedic. But from there, a quiet romance begins to grow, just like the berries Karin nurtures every day.
Who Is in The Cast?
Ji Chang-wook stars as Lee Yoo-bin, bringing all his natural charm, emotional depth, and relatable warmth to a role that suits him so well. His character is someone trying to rebuild his life after failure, and the countryside setting makes his journey even more comforting.
Imada Mio plays Shirahama Karin, the strawberry farmer who slowly becomes the emotional anchor of the story. Her calmness and strength balance Yoo-bin’s chaos, setting the stage for a gentle, steady romance.
The series is directed by Kim Soo-jung, known for the hit BL drama Semantic Error, and written by Lee Jae-yoon, the writer behind The Divorce Insurance. With this team, the drama aims to deliver genuine emotion without unnecessary drama or noise.
A Fresh Cross-Cultural Love Story
One thing that makes Merry Berry Love stand out is its unique Korean–Japanese collaboration. The production teams from CJ ENM, Nippon TV, and Disney+ are working together to bring a romance that feels genuinely different from anything the industry has offered recently.
CJ ENM shared that the drama aims to spread excitement and joy across borders. Judging by the early response, they are definitely on the right track.
When Is Merry Berry Love Coming Out?
There is no exact release date yet, but it has been officially confirmed for a 2026 Premiere. Since Disney+ Korea has already started promoting it, fans can expect steady updates throughout 2025.
Where Will It Be Available To Watch
Merry Berry Love will premiere exclusively on:
• Disney+ (multiple regions)
• Nippon TV (Japan)
More details on global availability will be shared as the release date gets closer.
Why This Drama Is Already Generating Buzz
Everything about this drama screams “healing romance that will go viral on TikTok and Instagram.” And honestly, we are ready!
If Disney pulls this off the way they are promising, Merry Berry Love might just become the breakout romance of 2026.
What do you think about Ji Chang-wook and Imada Mio as a couple? Cute or unexpected? Let us know in the comments!