Disney+ Highlights Growth in APAC Content, Announces Strategic Partnerships

Disney+ has reflected on its growth momentum and outlined future goals, particularly noting the rising popularity of Korean and Japanese content in Latin America.

On the 13th, The Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific (APAC) held the 'Disney+ Original Preview 2025' at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel. This event offered a sneak peek at upcoming APAC and global original content on Disney+. The lineup included APAC originals from Korea and Japan, as well as general entertainment, with top stars and creative partners in attendance.

Luke Kang, President of The Walt Disney Company APAC, introduced the event by stating, "2025 marks the fifth year since Disney began producing original content in the Asia Pacific region and the fourth year of showcasing APAC content to global media." He added, "This year, around 400 journalists from across the Asia Pacific attended, along with major media outlets from the U.S. and Latin America."

Kang explained the shift in venue from Singapore last year, emphasizing Disney's commitment to innovation, "This year's showcase focuses on streaming, presented in a new location." He continued, "We are accelerating storytelling innovation with new titles, fresh stories, and a wide range of genres, and we look forward to collaborating with the next generation of creators. We hope to inspire and move audiences in unexpected ways through new works on Disney+. Originality has always been a core value of Disney."

Reflecting on the past, Kang recalled, "In late 2021, during the first APAC content showcase, I delivered the opening speech online from a studio in Seoul due to COVID-19. We ambitiously announced our creative vision to present original content produced in the Asia Pacific region to global streaming audiences." He noted, "In just a few years, we've built a robust lineup of over 155 APAC original titles, securing new Disney+ audiences worldwide." He also highlighted the recognition of works like 'Moving,' 'Nine Puzzle,' 'Casino,' and 'Gannibal' at major awards.

Kang emphasized, "For countless consumers worldwide, Disney+ is where 'great stories come to life.'" He praised Disney+ titles like 'Shogun,' 'Grey's Anatomy,' 'Andor,' 'Alien: Earth,' and 'The Light in the Hall' for transcending generations, cultures, and borders, inspiring and connecting people, and ultimately bringing joy and delight to our lives.

Kang particularly highlighted Korean and Japanese content in the APAC region, stating, "As we continue this creative journey, we've seen exceptional works from Japan and Korea resonate globally more than ever." He revealed, "For top Japanese animation titles, over 60% of global viewing hours occur outside the Asia Pacific region, with strong interest from viewers in the U.S. and Europe." He added, "In the past year, Japanese animation viewership has surged in France, Brazil, and Mexico, with Japanese live-action content emerging as a prominent category." He also noted, "Korean storytelling, already beloved in the APAC region and the U.S., is rapidly growing in Latin America, particularly in Brazil and Mexico." Kang emphasized the strategic and cautious approach to content creation, acknowledging the enthusiastic response to APAC storytelling.

This approach extends to Disney+'s partnership standards. Kang explained, "This includes everything from the stories we present on the platform to the bundled offerings we provide to subscribers."

Last week, Disney+ announced a partnership with CJ ENM. The Walt Disney Company Japan revealed a multi-year content collaboration with CJ ENM, a leading Korean entertainment company. This strategic partnership will introduce TVING's premium streaming content to the Japanese market, establishing Disney+ as a key subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) partner for TVING in Japan. Additionally, Disney+ offers ESPN sports content.

Kang stated, "Last week, we announced an innovative partnership with CJ ENM, allowing Korean content from TVING to be available on Disney+ in Japan." He added, "ESPN has begun offering over 10,000 hours of live sports on Disney+ in Australia and New Zealand." He emphasized, "The expansion of bundled offerings in this region increases Disney+'s accessibility, allowing more fans to experience our content."

Kang also discussed the importance of collaboration, stating, "The Walt Disney Company has always believed in the power of collaboration." He highlighted Disney's partnerships with top local storytellers inspired by webtoons, comics, novels, games, and music, aiming to deliver the best entertainment in a way only Disney can. "Our role is to help stories created by talented writers, directors, producers, and actors reach audiences worldwide," he said, "To achieve this, Disney actively leverages its creative and marketing capabilities and extensive consumer touchpoints across the business."

Looking ahead, Kang outlined Disney's long-term goal: "Our aim is to expand Asia Pacific original content into global franchises by leveraging Disney's IP ecosystem, talent, and platform." He proudly stated, "Disney's unique strength lies in this ecosystem and its unparalleled fandom."

Kang concluded, "With a long history and pride in the Asia Pacific region, Disney continues to create new stories every day through a shared belief in creativity, collaboration, and the power of storytelling." He added, "This is where great stories come to life, and Disney's unique fandom continues to grow."

Hong Kong – Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr