Disney+ To Team With Kakao Entertainment To Create Ten New Originals

Disney has been investing heavily in international original programming, especially shows made in Korea, and is looking to capitalise on the success of K-Pop bands like Blackpink and BTS, along with Netflix’s “K-Pop Demon Hunters” film, by signing a new deal with Kakao Entertainment to create new content for Disney+.

Under the deal, Disney+ will launch a “K-culture fund” to create around 10 projects over the medium to long term. The deal will see the companies collaborate on projects that bring together K-pop IP and Disney’s stories and characters, aiming to take the K-IP ecosystem to the next level and create new opportunities on the global stage.

Currently, the amount of money being added to this “K-culture fund” hasn’t been agreed upon, and so it’s unclear how much will be created.

A spokesperson for Kakao Entertainment said in a statement regarding the deal:

“K-pop today has evolved into a global cultural phenomenon shaping trends across areas including fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. Through this partnership, we look forward to bringing K-pop artists and music together with Disney’s stories – which have been loved around the world for generations – and expanding them into new worlds. We expect this to offer global fans a special kind of joy and inspiration that they have never experienced before.”

Disney has had lots of success with its Korean originals, both in Korea and globally, with titles such as “Moving”, “Made In Korea” and “Flex X Cop”. The company has said it will keep investing in more local content, and this deal makes sense since its originals have been successful.  

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