Are you a fan of Korean and Japanese entertainment? Prepare for a weekend full of binge watching, as Disney+ prepares to launch over 20 unmissable titles from Asia. From gripping dramas to anime adventures, the curated selection of originals is set to debut exclusively on Disney+ from now through all of 2024. Here’s a round-up of all the anticipated titles coming your way:
From Korea:
Moving – Adapted from the smash webtoon by a Korean author Kangfull, ‘Moving’ stars Ryu Seungryong, Han Hyojoo, and Zo Insung. It follows a group of super powered individuals on the run from government forces and a mysterious assassin. Get ready to watch it exclusively on Disney+ starting August 9.
The Worst of Evil – Set in 1990s Seoul, this series revolves around a former DJ who takes control of a gang, peddling a potent new drug called “Gangnam Crystal.” Rural police officer Park Joonmo is recruited to dismantle the trafficking triangle from within. Slated for release later this year, the series stars Ji Changwook, Wi Hajun, and Lim Semi.
Vigilante – Jiyong, a star student at the police academy, seeks revenge for his mother’s murder. Armed with martial arts skills and police knowledge, he targets non-repentant offenders, using his academy training to stay ahead.
Soundtrack #2 – In Soundtrack #1 it’s a story about unrequited love, finally the beloved series returns as ‘Soundtrack #2’ late in 2023 with a new storyline of two young sweethearts who reunite after a six-year separation. Starring Keum Saerok and Steve Sanghyun Noh, ‘Soundtrack #2’ will be directed by Kim Heewon.
BTS Monuments: Beyond The Star – An exclusive Disney+ original, this music docu-series is a collaboration with HYBE. It chronicles the extraordinary journey of 21st-century pop icons BTS, offering unprecedented access to their music and footage over the past nine years.
Han River Police – Starring Kwone Sangwoo and Kim Hiewon, this upcoming Korean fictional comedy-action series follows the wacky adventures of Seoul’s Han River Police Force as they navigate emergency situations, including terrorist incidents and accidents on the waterways.
From Japan:
Dragons of Wonderhatch – A hybrid story set in both the “real world” and an anime land called Upananta, where dragons and humans coexist. ‘Dragons of Wonderhatch’ tells the cross-dimensional tale of Nagi, Thaim, and Aktha. It stars Sena Nakajima, Daiken Okudaira, and Mackenyu.
A Town Without Seasons – This Japanese live-action original revolves around Hansuke, who is recruited to spy on residents in a makeshift town after the Nani disaster. However, he begins to recognize the town as his new home and reconciles with the tragedy that upended his life.
Tokyo Revengers – A popular anime series, part of Disney’s collaboration with Kodansha, returns with the fan-favorite Tenjiku Arc, depicting the “Kanto Incident” and the last war between the Tokyo Manji Gang and the Tenjiku. Can Takemichi, a former bad boy turned time traveler, prevent a tragedy in the past to save the present?
PHOENIX: EDEN17 – Based on Osamu Tezuka’s legendary manga “PHOENIX,” this series follows Romi and her partner as they flee Earth’s dystopian hellscape in search of the lost planet Eden.
In 2023, don’t miss out on the music docu-series ‘NCT 127: The Lost Boys,’ Japanese anime ‘SYNDUALITY Noir,’ and an all-new ice show performance by Japanese ice-skater Yuzuru Hanyu. In addition, prepare for an eventful 2024, which promises to be packed with exciting shows, including titles like Korea’s ‘A Shop For Killers’ and ‘Red Swan,’ and Japan’s ‘House of the Owl’ and ‘Murai In Love.’ Stay tuned for more announcements as Disney+ continues to expand its collection of stories from the APAC region!
