Major 2026 K-Drama and BTS Content Announced at Disney+ Hong Kong Event, with Numerous Korean Actors Including Ji Chang-wook, Hyun Bin, and Park Bo-young in Attendance

Disney+ unveiled a comprehensive strategy to strengthen its Korean content lineup ahead of 2026. At the “Disney+ Original Preview Event” held at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort on the 13th (local time), Korean content received the most significant attention. Korean actors such as Ji Chang-wook, Hyun Bin, Joo Ji-hoon, Park Bo-young, and Lee Dong-wook took to the stage and were greeted warmly by approximately 400 journalists from 14 countries, including Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines, Brazil, Japan, and the United States. The atmosphere at the event resembled more of a K-pop concert than a corporate showcase. Every time a Korean title was announced, the hall was filled with cheers, and when Ji Chang-wook appeared on stage, flashes of light and loud applause erupted. It was so intense that it reminded attendees of Hollywood stars visiting Seoul in the early 2000s. The romance drama “Perfect Crown,” starring IU and Byun Woo-seok, received the most enthusiastic response despite the actors being introduced only through pre-recorded videos. Set in a fictional constitutional monarchy, the drama depicts a romance between a royal family member and a chaebol executive, with a release date scheduled for the first half of 2026. Numerous other Korean dramas were also unveiled, including “The Remarried Queen” starring Lee Se-young, Joo Ji-hoon, and Shin Min-ah. Luke Kang, President of Walt Disney Company Asia-Pacific, emphasized Korea as a core pillar of Disney’s global content strategy. He noted that viewing of Korean dramas is growing rapidly in emerging Latin American markets such as Brazil and Mexico, highlighting the increasing global demand for Asian content. He specifically stated that 60% of animated titles are watched outside of Asia. An Indonesian journalist proved the influence of Korean entertainment by saying, “Without Korean content, readers’ interest declines.” Journalists from Southeast Asia noted that K-pop, dramas, movies, and celebrities are the most influential content in their countries, adding that Indonesian fans are among the most active supporters of Korean content online. Disney+ also announced a recent strategic partnership with Korean entertainment giant CJ ENM to deliver TVing’s Korean content to Japanese viewers via Disney+. President Kang said, “Things have just begun,” signaling that the expansion of Asian content will continue in the future.