SEOUL — Disney+ has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding its original Korean content portfolio, recognizing the significant creative talent and success of Korean storytelling on the global stage. Carol Choi, Disney's executive vice president of Asia-Pacific content, highlighted during a media day that Korean productions have significantly contributed to the streaming service's early successes, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.
According to Yonhap News Agency, nine out of the top 15 best-performing international original titles on Disney+ last year were from Korea, based on viewership statistics.
Disney+'s investment strategy in Korea is driven by the global appeal of Korean narratives, with the company pledging continued support for the local creative community. The streaming platform's lineup for the upcoming year includes the suspense thriller "Blood Free," featuring Ju Ji-hoon and Han Hyo-joo, and "Uncle Samsik," a period drama marking the television debut of "Parasite" star Song Kang-ho. Additionally, the mystery drama "Light Shop," created by Kang Full and based on his popular webtoon, is among the highly anticipated releases for this year.
Having entered the Korean market in November 2021, Disney+ views its Korean content strategy as a cornerstone for testing and validating stories for global consumption, with Choi noting the importance of success in Korea as an indicator for international appeal. The platform's focus on curating premium content featuring star talent underscores its ambition to cement its position in the competitive streaming landscape while contributing to the growth of Korea's creative economy.