Disney+ will focus on investing in Korean original content this year.
On the 23rd, Disney+ announced its lineup of Korean content for the year.
The Korean original content showcased by Disney+ last year received a warm response from global viewers. Last year, 9 out of the top 15 most-watched titles of original content on Disney+ outside the U.S. were Korean works. The high-quality storytelling and production of Korean content are proving its competitiveness and gaining recognition worldwide.
The most notable title among them is 'Killer Shopping Mall.' Capturing the attention of global viewers with its unique worldview and stylish action, this title ranked as the most-watched title of Korean original content on Disney+ last year, proving its new box office power. Following the official announcement of season 2 production for 'Moving' last year, 'Killer Shopping Mall' has also had its season 2 confirmed recently, raising expectations and interest in Korean original series.
Choi Yeon-woo, head of local content at Walt Disney Company Korea, noted, "Disney+ has continuously made strategic investments in high-quality Korean content, and these efforts have led to global box office success, increasing viewers' expectations. Moving forward, we will consistently showcase works that combine differentiated storytelling with various genres and depth of content, connecting viewers worldwide, including those in Korea, through the power of relatable stories."
In the second half of 2025, original works that will once again demonstrate the strength of Disney+ are set to debut. Following the detective thriller 'Nine Puzzle' starring Kim Da-mi and Son Suk-ku, which is set to be released on May 21, there are works that will heat up the second half, including 'Fine: A Village Stranger' starring Ryu Seung-ryong, Yang Se-jong, and Lim Soo-jung, based on the original work of writer Yoon Tae-ho from 'Misaeng' and directed by Kang Yoon-sung; the well-made global project 'Polaris,' featuring an unprecedented cast and production team including Kang Dong-won, Jeon Ji-hyun, John Cho, director Jung Seo-kyung of 'Decision to Leave,' director Kim Hee-won of 'Queen of Tears,' and director Heo Myung-hang of 'The Outlaws 4'; the historical drama 'Tack Ryu' starring Rowoon, Shin Ye Eun, Park Seo-ham, and Park Ji-hwan; the thrilling crime action 'Fragmented City' starring Ji Chang-wook and Doh Kyung Soo; and the epic narrative 'Made in Korea' created by director Woo Min-ho and starring Hyun Bin and Jung Woo-sung.
In particular, Disney+ plans to showcase a plethora of well-made domestic new works alongside original series. The suspenseful drama 'Ordinary Family,' featuring glamorous casting such as Sul Kyung-gu, Kim Hee-ae, and Jang Dong-gun, has been garnering attention since its release last week. Additionally, there are film titles such as the emotional fantasy 'Secret: Untold Melody' intertwined with music and romance starring Doh Kyung Soo; the romantic comedy 'Space Merri Mi' featuring a fresh setup of secret newlyweds played by Choi Woo-shik and Jung So-min; the warm family story 'Good Man' starring Lee Dong-wook and Lee Sung-kyung; the lively gym life depicted in '24 Hour Health Club' starring Lee Joon-young and Jeong Eun-ji; and the emotional melodrama 'Our Movie' featuring Namgoong Min and Jeon Yeo-bin, all regarded as highly anticipated works, capturing viewers' expectations.
Disney+ plans to continually present authentic stories that resonate with global viewers through diverse genres and original storytelling throughout this year. This lineup, featuring the country's best production teams and actors, has garnered enthusiastic responses even before its release and is expected to reaffirm the strength of Korean content.
Next is the logline for the 2025 Korean original content released by Disney+.
# Disney+ Original
'Nine Puzzle' – 10 years ago, 'Ina' (Kim Da-mi), the sole witness of an unresolved case and a current profiler, and 'Han Saem' (Son Suk-ku), a detective who suspects her as a suspect until the end, uncover the truth behind a serial murder case that has begun anew along with mysterious puzzle pieces. Set to be released on May 21.
'Fine: A Village Stranger' – A crime drama featuring Ryu Seung-ryong, Yang Se-jong, and Lim Soo-jung follows the story of diligent villagers seeking a treasure ship buried beneath the sea in 1970.
'Polaris' – Generating anticipation with the top casting lineup from Korea and Hollywood, 'Polaris' follows the story of a diplomat and former UN ambassador 'Moon Joo' (Jeon Ji-hyun) and the mysterious operative 'Sanho' (Kang Dong-won) as they pursue the hidden truth behind a massive incident threatening the future of the Korean Peninsula, featuring Kang Dong-won, Jeon Ji-hyun, and John Cho.
'Tack Ryu' – Starring Rowoon, Shin Ye Eun, Park Seo-ham, and Park Ji-hwan, 'Tack Ryu' is a historical drama set in a Joseon that has transformed from a beautiful river into a lawless land, depicting the fates of individuals caught in its fierce currents.
'Fragmented City' – An action drama starring Ji Chang-wook and Doh Kyung Soo, tells the story of 'Tae-jung' (Ji Chang-wook), an ordinary man who is wrongfully accused of a heinous crime and ends up in prison, only to realize that everything was planned by 'Yohan' (Doh Kyung Soo), leading him to seek revenge. The gripping developments and psychological warfare enhance the immersion.
'Made in Korea' – This work features Hyun Bin and Jung Woo-sung and is set in the 1970s, telling the story of a man chasing ambition for wealth and power, and a righteous prosecutor who stands against him, portraying significant events in modern Korean history with captivating developments and a grand scale of visuals.
# Korean Broadcast Drama
'24 Hour Health Club' – A delightful romance drama featuring Lee Joon-young and Jeong Eun-ji, unfolds the daily lives and struggles of characters in a health club setting, providing laughs and relatability. Set to be released on April 30.
'Our Movie' – An emotional melodrama starring Namgoong Min and Jeon Yeo-bin, depicts the healing and love that blossoms as a director and an aspiring actress, who bear different scars, work together to create a film. Scheduled for June release.
'Good Man' – Starring Lee Dong-wook and Lee Sung-kyung, this family drama unfolds the tumultuous events experienced by the eldest son from a gangster family as he strives to protect his family, job, and love through various challenges. Set to be released in the second half of the year.
'Space Merri Mi' – A romantic comedy starring Choi Woo-shik and Jung So-min, brings delightful excitement with the story of a love survival adventure set around a 90-day fake honeymoon. Scheduled for release in the second half of the year.
# Korean films on OTT from the screen
'Ordinary Family' – A suspense drama led by representative actors Sul Kyung-gu, Kim Hee-ae, Jang Dong-gun, and Su-hyun, portrays the process of everything being turned upside down when a seemingly ordinary family confronts CCTV footage of their children's crime.
'Secret: Untold Melody' – A fantasy romance featuring Doh Kyung Soo, Won Jina, and Shin Ye Eun, depicts the emotional campus melodrama where genius pianist Yu-jun and the mysterious Jung-a connect through music.
[Photo] OSEN DB, provided by Disney+.
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