Kanta, the short-form series streaming platform operated by South Korean digital content company Ridi, is making significant inroads into the Japanese entertainment market with an innovative content strategy. The platform is expanding its content library by launching a short-drama adaptation of the popular Korean variety program "Midnight Horror Story," marking a unique approach to international content distribution.

Ridi has announced that it will premiere "The Swamp that Eats People: Susalgwis Grudge" exclusively in Japan through the Kanta platform. This short-drama adaptation is based on "Salmokji," one of the most popular episodes from MBC's Sunday variety show "Midnight Horror Story." Following its Japanese debut, the series is scheduled to roll out sequentially in other international markets.

The project represents a groundbreaking collaboration between MBC and CAC, showcasing a distinctive approach to content adaptation. This venture transforms a Korean variety show intellectual property into short-form drama format specifically designed for overseas audiences, demonstrating the evolving landscape of international content distribution.

A representative from Ridi explained the company's strategic vision, stating, "Kanta is expanding its genre spectrum by both discovering new IPs and reinterpreting existing popular IPs as short dramas." The representative further emphasized their global expansion goals, adding, "Through such IP diversification and localization strategies, we plan to offer global users a broader K-content experience."

The timing of this Japanese launch aligns with remarkable market growth in the region. Japan has emerged as one of the fastest-growing markets for short-form series globally, according to data from Sensor Tower, a leading global research firm. The research reveals that Japan's in-app purchase revenue for short-form dramas surged by 57 percent in the first quarter compared to the previous quarter, significantly outpacing other major content markets.

This growth rate positions Japan ahead of other established markets, including China, which saw a 48 percent increase, and the United States, which recorded a 20 percent rise during the same period. These statistics underscore the strategic importance of Ridi's expansion into the Japanese market.

Kanta officially launched in July and is currently available for download on both Google Play Store and Apple App Store in Japan. The platform's availability on these major app distribution channels ensures broad accessibility for Japanese consumers interested in Korean short-form content.