Disney+ Strengthens the Local Content Pillar for Asia Pacific for 2026, Featuring Diverse Scales and Unique Concepts

Kapanlagi.com - Luke Kang, as President of Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific, believes that local content is the pillar of Disney+. He expressed this in 2022 at the Disney Showcase event in Singapore.

“We will show how we satisfy audiences from each country with global content from Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and also PIXAR. Not only that, we also produce local stories that are not only grounded but can also resonate internationally. Our hope is that stories from Asia Pacific will become the pillar of The Walt Disney Company for the next 100 years. Touching the hearts and minds of the audience,” he exclaimed at that time.

At the Disney+ Originals Preview 2025 event, held at the Disneyland Hong Kong complex, Luke's confidence from three years ago was once again proven through a series of local content from Asia Pacific, especially from Japan and Korea, which are the highlights.

“I am proud that we have developed a strong portfolio with over 155 APAC Originals, which attract new Disney+ audiences from all over the world,” said Luke opening the event.

Luke and Disney have recorded creative and commercial achievements through MOVING, NINE PUZZLES, BIG BET, TEMPEST, and also GANNIBAL. This strategic step is also a form of reaffirming the commitment to present original stories from Asia Pacific for the audience and enrich and complement the portfolio of global entertainment titles on Disney+.

“Whether it's SHOGUN, GREY’S ANATOMY, ANDOR, ALIEN EARTH, or LIGHT SHOP,” he explained.

The creativity of Disney in packaging local content from Asia Pacific in various scales and concepts is what highlights the Disney+ Originals Preview 2025.

1. Game Maestro Hideo Kojima Collaborates

The presence of Hideo Kojima was a highlight in the early presentation session. The game maestro, known for the espionage thriller METAL GEAR SOLID, will embark on a promising collaboration through the anime DEATH STRANDING ISOLATION (working title).

Adapted from the highly popular post-apocalyptic action-adventure game of the same name, this anime will take place in the same world but with new adventures.

"As you know, the Death Stranding game is very interactive and has a large fanbase. This time I want to share the uniqueness of this story with those who have never played the game. Especially in the animation concept, I can present something different," said Hideo.

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2. TWISTED WONDERLAND that Promises

TWISTED WONDERLAND is one of the flagship titles

Among the anime content, TWISTED WONDERLAND stands out. Its first season has aired with the title EPISODE OF HEARTSLABYULA, featuring the character Riddle Roseheart (adapted from the Red Heart Queen in Alice in Wonderland) and a teenage boy named Yuken Enma.

TWISTED WONDERLAND tells the story of Yu, who is mysteriously summoned to another world through a magic mirror. He then finds himself stranded at Night Raven College, a prestigious magic school filled with talented students who have difficult personalities.

The second season of this anime has also been briefly showcased, featuring a new character adapted from Scar in THE LION KING.

3. The Romance of Two Countries, Korea and Japan in MERRY BERRY LOVE

Ji Chang Wook and Mio Imada

A collaboration project between Japan and Korea from CJ ENM, the studio behind popular content such as CRASH LANDING ON YOU, THE QUEEN OF TEARS, and MARRY MY HUSBAND.

This romantic comedy drama follows the story of Yubin (Ji Chang Wook), a disorganized designer from Korea, and Karin (Mio Imanda), a farmer from Japan. The two embark on an unexpected journey as they work together on a mysterious island in Japan.

"This drama will highlight human stories and, of course, romantic tales. It kind of implies that love can transcend boundaries. You definitely have to watch it."

4. Japanese Variety Shows and Comedy Shows

Travis Japan spills about their reality show. Photo: Nurohman Sidiq

Disney+ will continue their excellent collaboration with Kondansha with titles of popular anime such as TOKYO REVENGERS: WAR OF THE THREE TITANS ARC, WANDANCE, CAT'S EYE PART 2, and MEDALIST.

Supporting the already good anime content, Disney+ is expanding into documentaries and reality shows through TRAVIS JAPAN SUMMER VACATION!! IN THE USA and DAIGO PROJECT (working title).

TRAVIS JAPAN SUMMER VACATION!! IN THE USA will follow the idol group Travis Japan on a road trip as they split into two teams. During this journey, we will see how each member of Travis Japan deepens their understanding of their relationships.

5. MADE IN KOREA Set Against History

Cast MADE IN KOREA

MADE IN KOREA can be said to be a Korean content project with complex production value. This series presents a setting in Korea during the 1970s to serve as the landscape for a crime thriller drama based on true events.

"Two things that excite me about being here are, first of course the script. And second, the portrayal of the strength of the characters. The setting of the story (1970s) is also interesting to me. What is clear is that the story in this film truly delves into what each of the characters is like," said Hyun Bin.



The story depicts the turmoil in Korea during the 1970s. Kitae (Hyun Bin) lives a dangerous double life. Tempted by money and power, he seeks to expand his network of operations, until a prosecutor begins to investigate him, threatening to destroy everything he has built.

6. Doh Kyungsoo vs Ji Changwook in THE MANIPULATED

THE MANIPULATED currently airing brings together Ji Changwook and Doh Kyungsoo in a tense rivalry. What stands out about this series is none other than Doh Kyungsoo's presence as a villain.

"In playing the role of a villain, I really rely on my imagination. I want him to look sharp and convincing, whether it's from the hairstyle or the wardrobe I wear. So that I can accurately portray his character. Instead of being nervous, I am very happy to play a villain for the first time," said Doh Kyungsoo.

It seems he is serious about delving into this villain character. He even joked that he wants many people to hate him because of this character.

"I don't want people to like me anymore because of the character I portray hahaha," he added.

7. GOLD LAND

GOLD LAND tells the story of Heeju (Park Boyoung) who lands her dream job at an international airport. She finally manages to escape the boring small town where she grew up and is determined to build her new life.

However, when everything seems to be going smoothly, circumstances suddenly take a turn and Heeju must flee from the most dangerous people in Korea with a van full of smuggled gold. In her thrilling escape, Heeju realizes that she is heading back to a place she has been avoiding.

The director of GOLD LAND states that the story in his series will lead us to characters that are morally ambiguous. He mentions that this is what makes his story unique.

"Instead of focusing on the clear lines between good and evil, why not just enjoy the blurred boundaries of the characters," said Kim Sun Hoon, the director.

8.

After the action-packed first season that followed Jian's (Kim Hye Jun) struggle to defend her childhood home from killer drones and assassins, A SHOP FOR KILLERS will return with
a new season that presents even more intense situations.

This time, Jian, along with her uncle, Jinman (Lee Dong Wook), takes an offensive step to confront the Babylon mercenary group.

"There is a group called Babylon that we will see more of in this season 2. They are a special organization sent from Japan. They are powerful and now they are targeting Lee Dong Wook," leaked the director.

9. The Vampire Story POTRAITS OF DELUSION

The Korean drama PORTRAITS OF DELUSION is one of the most anticipated projects as it reunites Bae Suzy and Kim Seon Ho. The duo, who once captured attention in START-UP, reunites for a story that is much darker and more mysterious.

Set in 1935 in Gyeongseong, this drama presents a heavy historical atmosphere filled with intrigue. The tension has been palpable since the synopsis was released, showcasing the complex relationship between a painter and a mysterious woman.

The visuals from the still cuts released also heighten fans' curiosity. Kim Seon Ho is seen gazing at a painting with an expression of both fascination and fear, reflecting the unusual atmosphere of the story.

10. The Romance of IU and Byeon Woo Seok in PERFECT CROWN

Set in a reinterpreted 21st century, where Korea operates under a constitutional monarchy, PERFECT CROWN is a romantic comedy drama about a prince involved in a power struggle and the heir of one of the largest conglomerates in Korea. Driven by personal interests, the two embark on a joint plan, but ultimately they discover the meaning of true love.

In the teaser shared exclusively at the Disney+ Originals Preview event the other day, there will be plenty of screen time for IU and Byeon Woo Seok that will make you smile and tell a story because of its romantic nature.

11. The Most Expensive Production REMARRIED EMPRESS

A live-action adaptation of a popular webtoon, THE REMARRIED EMPRESS tells the story of Navier (Shin Min Ah), a perfect empress whose life changes when her husband (Hyun Bin) returns with a concubine and demands a divorce.

Not wanting her life to crumble, Navier agrees to the request but asks to marry the rival prince from the Western Kingdom in return.

Her actions trigger a tale of political intrigue, romance, and the struggle to regain the power that was taken from her.

THE REMARRIED EMPRESS is touted as the most expensive K-drama production on Disney+ and marks a sweet debut for Shin Min Ah as a queen.

"I am nervous yet excited. It’s a fantasy romance, a great blend of Western and Eastern elements. I enjoy being a queen with the dress and tiara I wore. There are uniforms, swords, and horseback riding. The landscapes are beautiful. I want to be in a setting like this forever. Especially since I am debuting as a queen," said Shin Min Ah.

(kpl/dka)