Disney+ Bets Big on K-Dramas to Fuel Global Expansion, Unveils Ambitious Slate

Disney is strategically placing Korean dramas at the forefront of its global expansion efforts, signaling a significant shift in its content strategy. A recent Disney+ Original Preview event in Hong Kong underscored this commitment, showcasing a robust lineup of upcoming Disney K-Dramas designed to captivate audiences worldwide and attract new subscribers.

The Ascendancy of Korean Storytelling and Disney K-Dramas

The global appetite for Korean content, often referred to as the Hallyu wave, has surged dramatically over the past decade. K-dramas, in particular, have transitioned from regional favorites to international blockbusters, proving their appeal far beyond Asia. Luke Kang, president of The Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific, highlighted that Korean storytelling, while already beloved in the Asia Pacific and the U.S., is now seeing significant audience interest in Latin America, especially in markets like Brazil and Mexico. This widespread popularity has made Disney K-Dramas a pivotal driver for Disney+’s platform growth. In fact, nine out of the top 15 best-performing international original titles released on Disney+ in 2023 were Korean productions, underscoring their critical role in the company’s success and the importance of Disney K-Dramas.

A Strategic Deep Dive into K-Content and Disney K-Dramas

Disney’s renewed focus on Korean content is not merely a trend but a core component of its long-term Korean drama strategy. Carol Choi, Executive Vice President of Original Content Strategy for The Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific, emphasized that Korea is considered a “key pillar” in the company’s content approach. The company is committed to investing continuously in South Korea, recognizing it as a global entertainment hub and a rich source of creative innovation. Disney is adopting a selective and strategic approach to production, prioritizing quality storytelling and world-class talent for its Disney K-Dramas. The ultimate ambition is to transform successful Asia Pacific original series, particularly K-dramas, into global franchises by leveraging Disney’s extensive ecosystem of intellectual property, talent, and platforms. Strategic partnerships, such as the recent collaboration with CJ ENM to bring TVING’s Korean content to Disney+ in Japan, are also crucial to this expansion of streaming K-content.

Unveiling a Premium Korean Slate of Disney K-Dramas

The ‘Disney+ Originals Preview 2025’ event in Hong Kong served as a platform to unveil an impressive lineup of upcoming Korean series slated for release through 2026. The slate is rich with top Korean talent and diverse narratives, showcasing the best of Disney K-Dramas. Among the flagship offerings is “Made in Korea,” a crime drama set in the 1970s starring A-list actors Hyun Bin and Jung Woo-sung, which is set to premiere on December 24th, with a second season already confirmed for 2026. Other highly anticipated titles include the romance “Perfect Crown,” featuring IU and Byeon Woo-seok; the crime thriller “Gold Land,” starring Park Bo-young and Kim Sung-cheol; “Portraits of Delusion,” a supernatural melodrama with Bae Suzy and Kim Seon-ho; and “The Remarried Empress,” adapted from a popular webtoon and starring Shin Min-a and Ju Ji-hoon. The strategy extends to various genres, encompassing action, historical dramas, fantasy, romance, and even survival variety shows, ensuring a broad appeal for these Disney K-Dramas. This focus builds on the phenomenal success of previous Korean hits like “Moving,” which became the most-watched local original series globally on Disney+ in 2023.

Amplifying Global Reach Through Strategic Integration of Disney K-Dramas

Disney is actively working to ensure these Korean stories reach a vast international audience. The integration of Hulu into Disney+ as a general entertainment hub in North America, alongside the replacement of the Star brand in international markets, has created a structure where Korean dramas and Japanese animation are prominently featured on the main home screen, highlighting Disney K-Dramas. Sophisticated recommendation algorithms on the integrated platform are designed to expose these titles to viewers who may not have actively sought them out, significantly increasing their discoverability. This strategy is yielding results, with over 60% of viewership for Disney+’s top-tier content now originating from outside Asia, including substantial numbers from the United States and Europe, demonstrating the success of Disney global expansion.

The Future is Korean-Fueled with Disney K-Dramas

Disney’s aggressive push into K-dramas is a testament to the genre’s global resonance and Disney+’s commitment to diversifying its content portfolio. By investing in high-quality, talent-driven Korean stories and leveraging its global platform, Disney aims not only to attract and retain subscribers but also to position itself as a leader in the global entertainment landscape. The success of this strategy hinges on its ability to deliver authentic, compelling narratives that connect with diverse audiences worldwide, making Disney K-Dramas an indispensable pillar of Disney+’s future growth and a key part of the Hallyu wave content phenomenon.