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Disney APAC's Carol Choi Announces Strengthened Content Strategy for Asia-Pacific Region
On November 21, The Walt Disney Company (Disney) APAC hosted the 'Disney Content Showcase 2024' at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. The event featured top global stars from the U.S. and APAC, offering a sneak peek at theatrical releases and streaming content slated for 2025-2026.
On the second day of the event, Disney unveiled its lineup for Disney General Entertainment and original content from Korea and Japan.
Carol Choi reflected on the company's journey, stating, "Three years ago, we expressed our ambition to challenge local content in the APAC region. In 2021, we held our first content showcase, unveiling over 20 pieces of content and collaborating with emerging content creators. The industry's response was positive." She further predicted, "With solid and inspiring APAC content, we will witness content that shines in this region."
Choi highlighted the success of launching over 130 APAC content pieces, noting, "The audience's response has been positive, and critics have praised our work." She added, "Among the top 15 content launched on Disney+ last year, nine were Korean. This year, 'The Shop of Killers' became the most-watched drama in the APAC region on Disney+." She also mentioned the continued popularity of animation, citing 'Tokyo Revengers' and 'Sand Land' as key drivers. In the travel category, BTS's Jungkook and Jimin's 'Is This Right?!' emerged as the most-watched variety show in the APAC region.
Choi emphasized the significance of this data, stating, "It proves that APAC content is gaining global resonance, becoming a pillar of global entertainment consumption, and attracting the most passionate fans." She added, "It's encouraging from an industry perspective that APAC works are receiving acclaim, with titles like 'Gannibal' winning awards at major ceremonies. We will continue to collaborate with the industry's top creators."
Choi expressed, "Authentic content connects audiences worldwide. Through 'Shogun,' we learned that the most intriguing stories emerge from the unknown. The key is to capture the essence without fear." She added, "It's gratifying that the APAC region has inspired the world's best storytellers, thanks to its rich cultural heritage and beloved IPs."
Regarding upcoming Korean content, Choi mentioned, "We are developing new tentpoles like 'Lighting Store' and 'Hyper Knife.'" For Japan, she announced plans to strengthen the anime lineup post-2025, maintaining long-standing partnerships with Kodansha to launch new works. Early next year, 'Gannibal' Season 2 will be released. She also hinted at expanding into Japanese variety content, collaborating with Nippon TV to spotlight top Japanese artists on the global stage.
Choi concluded, "Disney's commitment to creativity and quality will remain a core pillar of the company. As we expand content in the APAC region, we will invest in the economies of creators' countries and actively support local content."
During the two-day 'Disney Content Showcase 2024' on November 20-21, Disney introduced theatrical releases and streaming content for 2025 and beyond. The event featured trailers and exclusive footage from Disney's global creative studios, along with new Korean and Japanese content. Over 500 journalists and partners from 12 APAC countries, including Korea, attended the event alongside top global stars from the U.S. and APAC.
