Korean and Japanese creators are increasingly joining forces on television dramas, but the latest wave of collaborations is moving beyond the once-novel spectacle of simply putting stars from the two countries together. Two new series, "KiDnap Game" and "Merry Berry Love," illustrate how Korea-Japan co-productions are evolving as producers combine different production systems and storytelling styles from the development stage while setting their sights on audiences beyond either country. Channel A's "KiDnap Game," which premiered Tuesday, is a thriller revolving around an unprecedented series of kidnappings that simultaneously occur in seven Asian cities: Seoul, Tokyo, Taipei, Singapore, Bangkok, Manila and Naha. The global project is a joint production involving Korea, Japan and Hong Kong. Japanese actor Kentaro Sakaguchi takes a leading role alongside Korean star Lee Joon-gi, marking the first time the two actors have worked together. A day later, CJ ENM-produced "Merry Berry Love" premiered on Japan's Nippon TV and Disney+. The cross-border romance follows Yubin, a Korean spatial desi