What's Happening?
Disney is increasing its investment in local content production in Japan and Korea, focusing on high-quality productions that can appeal globally. The company is also expanding its ESPN sports offering
beyond Australia and New Zealand. Luke Kang, president of The Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific, emphasized the importance of creating compelling stories that can travel internationally. Disney+ is concentrating resources on Japan and Korea, where scaled productions are expected to emerge. The company is tapping into Asia's rich pipeline of source material, including webtoons and traditional literature.
Why It's Important?
Disney's strategy to scale local content production in Japan and Korea reflects the growing demand for diverse and culturally rich content in the streaming industry. By focusing on high-quality productions, Disney aims to capture global audiences and enhance its competitive position against other streaming platforms. The expansion of ESPN in Asia Pacific indicates Disney's commitment to leveraging regional sports rights to attract subscribers. This approach aligns with the industry's trend of diversifying content offerings to cater to varied audience preferences.
What's Next?
Disney plans to continue monitoring emerging opportunities in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines. The company is exploring a tiered strategy for ESPN expansion, combining regional sports rights with locally popular content. As Disney+ expands its content slate, subscribers can expect more diverse offerings, including anime, Korean drama, and unscripted content. The success of these initiatives will depend on Disney's ability to produce content with global appeal while maintaining strong home-market foundations.
