Disney+ Focuses on Korea and Japan... Japanese Anime Emerges as Killer Content

[Hong Kong – Shin Jin-a]Marking its fifth year in the Asia-Pacific region, Disney+ has announced a 'selection and concentration' strategy focused on Korea and Japan.
On the 13th, The Walt Disney Company hosted the 'Disney+ Original Preview 2025' at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel on Lantau Island, unveiling its new lineup to over 400 journalists from 14 countries, including Korea, Japan, the United States, Australia, and Brazil. The event featured Korean actors Jung Woo-sung, Hyun Bin, Lee Dong-wook, Ju Ji-hoon, Ji Chang-wook, Shin Min-a, Park Bo-young, as well as Japanese actress Mio Imada and globally renowned game creator Hideo Kojima.
In his opening remarks, Luke Kang, President of The Walt Disney Company Asia-Pacific, stated, "Since 2021, we have built a lineup of over 155 Asia-Pacific original titles, expanding our audience base." He added, "Disney+'s long-term goal is to leverage the Disney IP ecosystem, talent, and platform to grow Asia-Pacific original content into global franchises."
Notably, the Japanese content lineup was revealed first, highlighting the rise of Japanese animation as killer content.

The Korean lineup is characterized by blockbuster titles and a diversification of genres. Ji Chang-wook's new series 'Fragmented City,' known as the 'Disney+ son,' is currently airing to positive reviews. 'Made in Korea,' starring Hyun Bin and Jung Woo-sung, is set for release on December 24. Directed by Woo Min-ho, known for 'Inside Men' and 'Harbin,' the show has already been confirmed for a second season.
'The Killer's Shopping Mall Season 2,' with Lee Dong-wook and Kim Hye-jun reuniting and joined by Japanese actor Masaki Okada, marks the first sequel produced following the success of Season 1. Another highly anticipated work is '21st Century Grand Lady,' starring IU and Byeon Woo-seok.
The romance fantasy 'The Remarried Empress,' based on a webtoon and starring Shin Min-a and Ju Ji-hoon, has surpassed 2.6 billion global views and is being adapted into a live-action drama. 'Illusion,' a mystery drama directed by Han Jae-rim and starring Bae Suzy and Kim Seon-ho, also demonstrates the global expansion of K-storytelling. 'Gold Land,' written by Hwang Jo-yoon of 'Oldboy' fame and starring Park Bo-young and Kim Sung-cheol, is also included in the lineup.
Variety shows have also expanded in scale. 'Fate War 49' features a unique survival format combining shamanism, where 49 fate tellers test their destinies through various missions. Produced by the teams behind 'Black & White Chef' and 'I Can See Your Voice,' the show stars Jun Hyun-moo, Park Na-rae, and Park Ha-sun as observers, promising high viewer engagement. Additionally, BTS members Jimin and Jung Kook's reality show 'Are You Sure?! Season 2' will premiere on December 3. The travel variety show, filmed just a week after the two completed their military service, takes them from the mountains of Switzerland to the beaches of Vietnam.

The Japanese lineup features animation, games, and variety shows, reflecting local strengths. The most talked-about project is 'Death Stranding: Isolation' (working title), the first collaboration with Hideo Kojima. This project adapts the world of the game into an animated series, directed by Takayuki Sano and produced by E&H Production. As an example of expanding game-based IP into OTT, the series will be a hand-crafted 2D animation created by top creators from around the world.
'Disney Twisted-Wonderland: Animation'—the most-watched Japanese original animation series on Disney+—has been confirmed for a third season. Other major new animation titles announced include 'Tokyo Revengers: Three Deities Arc' (working title), 'Medalist' Season 2, 'One Dance,' and 'Cat's Eye: Part 2.'
Japanese live-action titles are also expanding their audience. Disney+ introduced its first Korea-Japan co-production, the romantic comedy 'Merry Berry Love' (working title), starring Ji Chang-wook and Mio Imada. 'Travis Japan Summer Vacation in the USA,' featuring the idol group Travis Japan's trip to America, is scheduled for release in summer 2026. The first Japanese original variety show produced by Daigo of the popular comedy duo Chidori, 'Daigo Project' (working title), was also included in the lineup.

The event also shared viewer statistics and content trends illustrating the global spread of Asian content. Top Japanese animations generated over 60% of their global viewing hours outside the APAC region. In particular, audiences in France, Brazil, and Mexico grew significantly over the past year. K-content, beloved in the Asia-Pacific and the United States, is rapidly gaining traction in Latin America, especially in Brazil and Mexico.
Carol Choi, Head of Original Content Strategy for The Walt Disney Company Asia-Pacific, emphasized, "Originality is at the core of Disney storytelling," and added, "We will continue to strengthen collaborations with creators in Korea, Japan, and across the APAC region."
jashin@fnnews.com Shin Jin-a Reporter