Disney+ Expands Korean Content Lineup with 'Moving 2' and More for 2025

Disney+ is set to enhance its Korean content offerings with a slew of new original series, including the highly anticipated 'Moving 2', featuring stars like Kim Soo-hyun (김수현), Kim Hye-soo (김혜수), and Ju Ji-hoon (주지훈). This announcement was made during the 'Disney Content Showcase 2024', held at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore by The Walt Disney Company (TWDC) for the Asia Pacific region.

The showcase, which took place over two days on November 20 and 21, highlighted various productions from Disney's studios, including Marvel Studios, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar, and Lucasfilm. On the second day, the spotlight turned to upcoming Korean original series such as 'Lighting Store', 'Trigger', 'Hyperknife', 'Knock Off', 'Nine Puzzle', and 'Fine: The Villagers', featuring prominent actors and production teams. The lineup also includes 'Polaris', starring Jun Ji-hyun (전지현) and Gang Dong-won (강동원), and 'Made in Korea', which pairs Hyun Bin (현빈) with Jung Woo-sung (정우성), generating excitement for the future of Korean content on the platform.

A significant highlight of the event was the announcement of new original Korean series, including 'Tack Ryu', Disney+'s first original historical drama. Directed by Choo Chang-min (추창민), known for 'Masquerade', and written by Cheon Sung-il (천성일), who returns to historical dramas after 14 years, the series will feature a talented cast including Rowoon (로운), Shin Ye-eun (신예은), Park Seo-ham (박서함), and Park Ji-hwan (박지환). Another notable project is 'Sculpture City', starring Ji Chang-wook (지창욱) and Do Kyung-soo (도경수), written by Oh Sang-ho (오상호) of 'Crime City 4' fame, and co-directed by Park Shin-woo (박신우) and Kim Chang-joo (김창주). Both 'Tack Ryu' and 'Sculpture City' are set to premiere globally on Disney+ in 2025.

Additionally, Disney confirmed the development of 'Moving' Season 2, following the success of the original series based on the works of popular webtoon artist Kang Full (강풀). The first season of 'Moving' became a global hit upon its release, topping the charts for local content on Disney+ and Hulu, and receiving numerous accolades, including nominations at the 29th Critics' Choice Awards and multiple wins at the 60th Baeksang Arts Awards.

Since launching original content production in the Asia Pacific region in 2021, Disney has released over 130 original series on Disney+ APAC. Notably, Korean content dominated the viewership charts last year, with nine out of the top 15 most-watched local original series on Disney+. This year, the action drama 'Killer's Shopping Mall' emerged as the most-watched series in the region, while the reality show featuring BTS members Jimin (지민) and Jungkook (정국) titled 'Is This Right?!' became the top reality program.

Carol Choi (캐롤 초이), Executive Vice President of Original Content Strategy for The Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific, expressed pride in the region's storytelling capabilities, stating that the unique narratives and cultural richness of the Asia Pacific are gaining global recognition. She emphasized Disney's commitment to curating high-quality original content from the region and collaborating with top production companies and talent.

Kim So-yeon (김소연), the head of The Walt Disney Company Korea, highlighted the authenticity and production quality of Korean content, which continues to attract global audiences. She announced that starting from the end of this year into next year, Disney+ will introduce a range of original Korean content featuring exceptional production teams, star-studded casts, and compelling stories, aiming to deliver unique storytelling that only Disney can offer.

The showcase also featured new Japanese content, reaffirming the creative excellence of The Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific. The lineup included 'BULLET/BULLET', an action-packed animation directed by Park Sung-hoo (박성후), 'Disney Twisted-Wonderland The Animation', based on the popular mobile game, and 'CAT'S EYE', an adaptation of the legendary series. Other notable mentions were 'Medalist', which follows a figure skating coach's journey to train a medalist, and 'Wandance', an animated series about a shy boy's quest to win the heart of a free-spirited girl. The second season of the acclaimed Japanese original series 'Gannibal' is set to premiere on Disney+ in March 2025, alongside a new travel reality show featuring the popular boy group Snow Man (스노우맨).