“Regarding Kim Soo-hyun's 'Knock Off', our position remains 'release on hold'. There are no additional comments.”
Disney Plus has focused on the future while omitting actor Kim Soo-hyun from its original series 'Knock Off'.
On the 23rd, an open house event was held at the Disney Plus headquarters located in the Gangnam Finance Center in Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. The event was attended by Choi Yeon-woo, head of local content at Walt Disney Company Korea, as well as Kim Won-guk, CEO of Hive Media Corp, the production company of 'Made in Korea', and Yoo Jeong-hoon, CEO of Merry Christmas, the production company of 'Killer's Shopping Mall'.
First, Choi Yeon-woo stated about the strategy and direction of Korean content, “Disney Plus aims to provide a high level of immersion through high-quality storytelling and top-notch actors and production teams.”
He summarized Disney Plus's direction into four main points: ▲ Tentpole: High-quality storytelling on a large scale ▲ Curated Selection: Efforts to broaden the lineup and expand the audience base ▲ Franchise Series: Global expansion and local IP development in Korea ▲ Creating New Opportunities: Aiming to discover diverse content that aligns with individual preferences.
Following Choi, the introduction of the two representatives responsible for this year's Disney Plus series continued. CEO Kim of 'Made in Korea' and CEO Yoo of 'Killer's Shopping Mall' shared their thoughts on global OTT platforms including Disney Plus. CEO Kim said, “Our company started based on films. By producing series, we have been able to enter the drama market. The presence of OTT companies plays a significant role. I am satisfied that it provides opportunities for free formats and global reach, especially allowing us to challenge series production.”
CEO Yoo also stated, “I believe the boundaries between existing legacy media and theaters have been broken. There used to be a solid framework in both fields, but we are now seeing creators like film directors and writers entering the series market. Creators who were limited to certain areas can now move freely in the OTT market. I think this is a crucial starting point for the development of Korean content.”
However, CEO Yoo emphasized, “We need to consider whether it is the right time to maintain the K-content boom,” expressing sharp insights on the future direction of OTT content. He said, “When designing content, we need to think about the universe. The universe should expand to create an environment where it can be enjoyed in various countries. Domestic creators need to think about and extract stories that can be expanded, which is a way to communicate with the world.” CEO Kim also added, “I believe we need to focus on series and spin-offs. We should turn our attention to content related to the universe and how it can be expanded. We need to closely observe consumer behavior based on viewers' lifestyles.”
CEO Yoo explained the direction of the work's nature, saying, “Modern people can be seen as 'fast consumers'. It is self-centered. There is no need for lengthy explanations about the content. The pace of the work is important, and we need to omit things that make people think too much. There should be a sense of speed and momentum.”
The two representatives expressed their aspirations, stating, “Global OTT platforms like Disney Plus and Netflix have played a significant role in the growth of K-content worldwide. We will continue to produce good works with a cast based on diverse narratives.” In response, Choi added, “We will also strive to create wonderful works in partnership with production companies for mutual growth.”
CEO Kim's 'Made in Korea' is scheduled for release in the second half of this year and is a spin-off of the film 'Drug King'. Set in the tumultuous 1970s, it tells the story of Baek Gi-tae, who has ambitions for wealth and power, and prosecutor Jang Geon-young, who throws everything away to stop him, as they face a massive event that transcends the era. This will be Hyun Bin's drama comeback after five years since 'Crash Landing on You'. It stars Hyun Bin, Jung Woo-sung, Jo Yeo-jeong, and Seo Eun-soo.
CEO Kim stated, “With the excellent support from Disney Plus, we have mobilized all resources to create a powerful drama. It will be a very strong drama filled with fun and tension. I am confident that this drama will change the landscape for Disney Plus, our company, and K-dramas.”
CEO Yoo's 'Killer's Shopping Mall 2' will be the first work to be released by Disney Plus next year, following 'Made in Korea' seasons 1 and 2. It is a sequel to season 1, which was released early last year. Like season 1, it stars Lee Dong-wook, Kim Hye-jun, Jo Han-sun, and Geum Hae-na. It is based on the novel 'Killer's Shopping Mall' by writer Kang Ji-young.
CEO Yoo expressed his expectations, saying, “If season 1 felt like defending at home, season 2 will feel like offense in an away game. It will be more dynamic.”
A number of original works that showcase Disney Plus's strength are set to launch in the second half of this year. Following the release of the mystery thriller 'Nine Puzzle' starring Kim Da-mi and Son Seok-koo on the 21st, there are projects like 'Fine: Country Bumpkins', directed by Kang Yoon-sung and based on the work of 'Misaeng' writer Yoon Tae-ho, featuring Ryu Seung-ryong, Yang Se-jong, and Lim Soo-jung, as well as the well-made global project 'Polaris', created by an exceptional cast and crew including Kang Dong-won, Jeon Ji-hyun, John Cho, writer Jeong Seo-kyung of 'Decision to Leave', director Kim Hee-won of 'Queen of Tears', and director Heo Myung-hyang of 'The Outlaws 4'. Additionally, there are historical dramas like 'Tack Flow' starring Rowoon, Shin Ye-eun, Park Seo-ham, and Park Ji-hwan, thrilling crime action like 'Fragment City' starring Ji Chang-wook and Do Kyung-soo, and the epic saga 'Made in Korea' featuring directors Woo Min-ho and actors Hyun Bin and Jung Woo-sung, all set to heat up the second half of the year with Disney Plus's unique style.
However, the series 'Knock Off', starring Kim Soo-hyun, which has been embroiled in controversy over allegations of underage dating, has been excluded from the lineup.
In this regard, Choi stated, “We have carefully reviewed internally and decided to hold the release,” maintaining the previously announced position. He added, “It is difficult to provide further answers.”
He also refrained from answering questions regarding penalties related to Kim Soo-hyun.
Additionally, regarding the personal life controversy of actor Jung Woo-sung related to 'Made in Korea', he stated, “It is a part that is difficult to answer,” avoiding a direct response.
Disney Plus is determined to continue presenting stories that resonate with viewers worldwide through diverse genres and unique storytelling.
[Ji Seung-hoon, Star Today Reporter]
