"K-Storytelling Resonates Worldwide... Will Grow into a Global Franchise"

【Financial News Hong Kong = Reporter Shin Jin-a】 Marking its fifth year in the Asia-Pacific region, Disney+ announced a 'selection and concentration' strategy focused on Korea and Japan.
On the 13th, The Walt Disney Company held the 'Disney+ Original Preview 2025' at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel on Lantau Island, presenting its new lineup to over 400 journalists from 14 countries including Korea, Japan, the United States, Australia, and Brazil. The event was attended by Korean actors Jung Woo-sung, Hyun Bin, Lee Dong-wook, Ju Ji-hoon, Ji Chang-wook, Shin Min-a, Park Bo-young, Japanese actress Mio Imada, and world-renowned game creator Hideo Kojima.
In his opening speech, Luke Kang, President of The Walt Disney Company Asia-Pacific, stated, "Since 2021, we have built a lineup of over 155 APAC original titles, attracting new viewers." He added, "Disney+'s long-term goal is to expand APAC original content into global franchises by leveraging the Disney IP ecosystem, talent, and platform." He especially highlighted the Japanese content lineup, revealing that Japanese animation has emerged as a killer content.
■ Blockbuster K-content in Romance and Action
The Korean lineup is characterized by diversification of genres, focusing on large-scale productions. Ji Chang-wook's new series 'Fragmented City', known as the 'Disney+ son', is currently airing to positive reviews, while 'Made in Korea' starring Hyun Bin and Jung Woo-sung is set to premiere on December 24. Director Woo Min-ho, known for 'Inside Men' and 'Harbin', leads the project, and production for season 2 has already been confirmed.
'The Killers' Shopping Mall Season 2', starring Lee Dong-wook and Kim Hye-jun with Japanese actor Masaki Okada joining the cast, is the first sequel produced following the popularity of season 1. Another highly anticipated title is '21st Century Grand Duchess', starring IU and Byeon Woo-seok.
Additionally, the romance fantasy 'Remarried Empress', based on a webtoon with over 2.6 billion global views and starring Shin Min-a and Ju Ji-hoon, as well as the mystery 'Hypnosis', directed by Han Jae-rim and starring Bae Suzy and Kim Seon-ho, are being produced as live-action dramas, demonstrating the global scalability of K-storytelling. 'Goldland', 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 scope. 'Fate War 49' features a unique survival format that incorporates shamanism, with 49 fortune tellers testing their destinies through various missions. The production teams behind 'Black and White Chef' and 'I Can See Your Voice' are involved, with Jun Hyun-moo, Park Na-rae, and Park Ha-sun appearing as observers to enhance viewer immersion. Additionally, BTS (Bangtan Boys) members Jimin and Jung Kook's reality show 'Is This Right?! Season 2' will be released on December 3. After completing their military service, the two members filmed this travel reality show just one week later, journeying from the mountains of Switzerland to the beaches of Vietnam.
■ Spotlight on Japanese Animation and Hideo Kojima Collaboration
The Japanese lineup features animation, games, and variety shows that reflect local strengths. The most talked-about project is the first collaboration with Hideo Kojima, 'Death Stranding: Isolation' (working title). This project adapts the world of the game into animation, directed by Takayuki Sano and produced by E&H Production. As an example of expanding game-based IP to OTT, creators from around the world are participating, and the series will be produced as a distinctive 2D animation.
'Disney Twisted Wonderland: Animation' is the most-watched Japanese original animation series on Disney+ and 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+'s first Korea-Japan joint project, the romantic comedy 'Merry Berry Love' (working title) starring Ji Chang-wook and Mio Imada, was prominently introduced. In addition, 'Travis Japan Summer Vacation in the USA', featuring the idol group Travis Japan's trip to America, will be released in the summer of 2026. The first Japanese original variety show produced by Daigo of the popular comedy duo Chidori, 'Daigo Project' (working title), is also included in the lineup.
■ Asian Content Rapidly Expanding Globally
The event also shared viewership data and content trends highlighting the global expansion of Asian content. Top Japanese animation titles recorded over 60% of their global viewing hours outside the APAC region. In particular, viewership has surged in France, Brazil, and Mexico over the past year. K-content, beloved in both the Asia-Pacific and the United States, is experiencing rapid growth 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 collaboration with creators from APAC, including those in Korea and Japan."
jashin@fnnews.com Reporter