K-content expansion highlighted at Disney+ Original Preview 2025

Disney executives in Hong Kong at the Disney+ Original Preview 2025 session emphasized the potential for Korean content to spread further across the APAC region and beyond, noting that Korean dramas have already resonated with audiences in Latin America and Europe. They underscored that locally produced originals are a central pillar for platform growth, stressing the need for content that reflects audiences’ daily lives and emotions in markets like Korea and Japan.

Eric Schrier, president of Disney Television Studios and Global Original TV, along with Carol Choi, head of Integrated Marketing for APAC, spoke about expanding Korea’s content and outlined Disney’s Asia collaboration strategy. Schrier explained that while Disney already possesses global brands like Marvel and Pixar, local originals are a crucial axis for platform growth, and that the company is increasing localized production to suit regional preferences. He noted that Korean drama and Japanese animation are delivering explosive global responses and called for a collaboration framework to accelerate the momentum.

Carol shared that APAC production strategy centers on locality and scalability, arguing that excellent storytelling is the starting point learned from global teams, and that combining the distinctive strengths of Korean and Japanese creators can yield works that resonate worldwide. She added that while carefully analyzing regional preferences, the company aims to reflect creators’ originality rather than over-cautious risk avoidance.

Schrier addressed changes in content trends, pointing out that viewers’ time is shorter and attention spans are fragmented, leading to a resurgence of shorter, roughly 30-minute series. He stressed that formats are diversifying globally, and the key is for local audiences to see their own stories reflected on screen. Choi praised the growth of K-content in Latin America and Europe, noting that APAC’s 155+ originals in the last five years have contributed to platform growth, and said the expansion plans would continue.

Finally, Schrier looked forward to the Made in Korea project announced at the preview, saying it would showcase what results arise when Korean creators’ talents meet Disney’s production system. Choi concluded that the preview reaffirmed Asia’s storytellers’ breadth and that Disney would continue collaborating with regional creators to broaden their stories globally.