Walt Disney Company executives reported that Korean television series and entertainment formats are achieving viewership across the Asia-Pacific region and expanding into markets as distant as Brazil. Company leadership addressed international content performance during a dedicated showcase session at the Anaheim Convention Center.
According to Eric Schneider, President of Global Originals, Programming and New Media Strategy for the Walt Disney Company DTC, the widespread adoption of Korean programs outside traditional geographic boundaries has surprised corporate planners. Speaking at the “Local Stories, Global Scale: Disney+ International Content Strategy” session, Schneider noted that while Disney routinely develops localized productions in regions such as France and Spain to reflect native cultural sensibilities, Korean programming demonstrates a unique capability to resonate universally.
The discussion highlighted several specific titles driving engagement on the streaming platform. Carol Choi, Vice President of DTC Asia-Pacific Original Strategy and Integrated Marketing, outlined a portfolio of successful releases, including the series The Northern Star, 21st Century Grand Princess, and A Shop for Killers. Choi noted that 21st Century Grand Princess emerged as one of the platform’s top-performing titles following its debut last year, recording the highest viewership numbers among all Korean works released on the service to date.
Upcoming Slate and Global Adaptations
Expanding on the platform’s future catalog, executives spotlighted the upcoming adaptation of the webtoon The Remarried Empress. During the Anaheim session, the company screened the first official trailer for the project, drawing immediate applause and enthusiastic reactions from the audience in attendance. Choi described the property as a project she is most looking forward to, emphasizing its established popularity across both Asian and European markets.
Beyond scripted dramatic series, Disney executives pointed to unscripted entertainment formats as a growing driver of cross-cultural engagement. Choi cited the survival reality program Fate War 49, noting that it achieved the highest entertainment viewership records, with some figures comparable to scripted series. Schneider announced plans to export and adapt successful Korean unscripted formats into international territories, confirming that production is already underway on a British adaptation, with potential local versions planned for Mexico and Spain.
The company’s strategy also encompasses creative collaborations that bring international source material into Korean production pipelines. Executives confirmed ongoing efforts to adapt foreign literary and television properties—such as the Japanese novel The Miracles of the Namiya General Store and the American television series The Americans—into localized Korean drama formats.
Next Steps for International Distribution
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