Disney Joins Forces with Kakao to Tap into Global K-Pop Phenomenon

Disney is looking to tap into the global phenomenon of K-pop with a new partnership that could lead to its next big hit. The company has struck a deal with Kakao Entertainment, an offshoot of Korean media giant Kakao, to launch a 'K-culture fund' aimed at pursuing around 10 projects over the medium to long term.

The fund will bring together K-pop IP and Disney's stories and characters, aiming to take the K-IP ecosystem to the next level. This collaboration comes on the heels of the success of KPop Demon Hunters, an animated musical about rival K-pop bands who live double lives as demon hunters that was shown on Netflix.

Disney is already a major player in Korea with hits including Moving, its first original show in the region. It also streams a number of K-pop movies and docs, including ones focused on giants like BTS.