KUALA LUMPUR – The Walt Disney Company recently announced more South Korean shows spanning many genres anchored on quality storytelling. They will soon debut on Disney+ Hotstar across the Asian Pacific region this year.
Audiences will soon be able to enjoy Big Mouth a thriller starring Lee Jong-suk and Lim Yoon-a; Soundtrack #1 a music-centred romantic drama about two friends walking the line between romance and friendship; Crazy Love an unexpected rom-com and The Zone: Survival Mission a survival gameshow where celebrities are challenged to break out of escape rooms.
This is part of Disney’s Korean content slate on Disney+ Hotstar in 2022, which will feature over 20 titles, including at least 12 Korean Originals. In the coming months, Disney will be announcing more titles as part of this slate.
Yesterday's announcement follows the successful launches of Grid, Snowdrop, Rookie Cops, Outrun by Running Man and BLACKPINK THE MOVIE on Disney+ Hotstar over recent months.
Since its premiere in mid-December, Snowdrop has secured a spot in the top five most-watched titles in the majority of APAC markets on Disney+[1]. It is the number two most-watched series in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.
Rookie Cops, a coming-of-age drama series starring K-pop star Kang Daniel, has also been well received in several markets including South Korea and Indonesia.
“We are excited to showcase our curated collection of unrivalled Korean stories that we believe will captivate viewers globally,” said Jessica Kam-Engle, APAC head of content & development.
“Our focus is on quality storytelling and uncovering narratives that have great emotional and cultural impact. As long-term creative partners, we work alongside the best and most imaginative creators in the region to deliver their content alongside the world’s best stories.”
Stories of survival, revenge and family
Big Mouth
When a third-rate lawyer is forced to take on a murder case in an attempt to turn his life around, he ends up getting tangled in a complex conspiracy that threatens more than just his career. Starring Lee Jong-suk (Romance is a Bonus Book, W, Pinocchio) and Lim Yoon-a (Miracle, Exit, Hush), Big Mouth is written by Haram, in collaboration with creator Jang Young-chul and Jung Kyung-soon, and directed by Oh Choong-hwan (Hotel Del Luna, Start-Up, While You Were Sleeping).
Soundtrack #1
Songwriter Eunsoo asks her best friend to stay with her for two weeks to help her write lyrics for a song about unrequited love. Forced to walk the fine line between friendship and romance, viewers will be captivated as the two work together to write a hit song and figure out what will happen to their friendship. Starring Han Sohee (My Name, Nevertheless, The World of Married) as struggling songwriter Eunsoo and Park Hyungsik (Happiness, Suits, Strong Woman Do Bong Soon) as her best friend Sun-woo, Soundtrack #1 is directed by Kim Hee-won (Vincenzo, The Crowned Clown, Money Flower).
The Zone: Survival Mission
Beloved emcee Yoo Jae Suk, Actor Lee Kwang Soo and Yuri from Girls’ Generation are united for The Zone: Survival Mission. The show throws these celebrities into different themed rooms and virtual spaces – challenging them to overcome the unexpected and to survive to win. Produced by Cho Hyo Jin (Running Man, Family Outing, X-Man), The Zone: Survival Mission promises to be a fun adventure for both viewers and participants alike.
Crazy Love
When mathematical genius CEO Noh Go-Jin begins to receive death threats from an unknown person, he hatches an elaborate plan to track them down. Shortly after the start of his plan, Lee Shin-a, an introverted hard-working secretary who has recently been diagnosed with a life-threatening disease and who plans to take revenge for her poor treatment at his company, discovers Go-Jin in an unusual situation.
Full of unexpected twists and turns, this romantic comedy stars Kim Jae Uck (Her Private Life, Voice) as Noh Go-Jin, and Krystal Jung (The Heirs, Prison Playbook, Player and Search) in a story written by Kim Bo-kyum (Drama Stage, Everything About My Rival).
Previously announced Korean titles that will be on Disney+ Hotstar include Moving, an action hero thriller based on the webtoon by Kang Full about three teenagers discovering their unusual powers, and King of Savvy, starring Choi Min-sik (Old Boy, The Admiral) in his first television role in 24 years, Sohn Seok-gu, Lee Dong-hwi as well as Squid Game duo Heo Sung-tae and Kim Joo-ryoung.
New Indonesian stories coming soon
Viewers in Southeast Asia can continue looking forward to an ever-expanding slate of original local language content throughout 2022. From Indonesia, based on the bestselling novel and popular film of the same name, Wedding Agreement The Series will premiere this month on Disney+ Hotstar in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.
Currently in production are Jurnal Risa, from the Danur Horror Universe, created by the talented Risa Saraswati, and Keluarga Cemara The Series, a spin-off of the 1996 TV series and 2019 hit movie. Production has also wrapped on the hotly anticipated horror series Teluh Darah, directed by the acclaimed Kimo Stamboel.
The Walt Disney Company has confirmed its ambitious plans to greenlight over 50 APAC Originals by 2023. – The Vibes, March 5, 2022
