The Walt Disney Company Appoints Kim So-yeon as New CEO of Disney Korea

Kim So-yeon, Former Executive Director of DTC Division
Successfully Led Disney+ Launch and Korean Business

[Asia Economy Reporter Minyoung Cha] The Walt Disney Company (TWDC, hereafter Disney) Asia Pacific (APAC) announced on the 6th that it has appointed former DTC (Direct-to-Consumer) Division Executive Director So-yeon Kim as the new representative of Walt Disney Company Korea. Kim will also concurrently oversee the Korean DTC division until a successor is appointed.

So-yeon Kim, the new representative of Disney Korea, will be responsible for overall business operations in Korea, including strategy formulation. Luke Kang, President of Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific, said, "So-yeon Kim has played a pivotal role in Disney Korea’s business growth by successfully leading various business divisions within Disney, including the launch of Disney Plus (+) in Korea. I am confident that she will optimize Disney’s domestic business operations, including Disney+, lead innovation, and continuously enhance Disney Korea’s brand value and business in the rapidly changing media environment."

Since joining the Disney Channel division in 2007, So-yeon Kim has been with Disney for 15 years, gaining experience across media, channels, consumer products, and the DTC division, making her a media and entertainment expert. Until recently, she served as the head of Disney Korea’s DTC division, which includes Disney+. After successfully launching Disney+ in Korea in November last year, she has actively expanded the business, announcing plans to release more than 20 Korean content titles, including at least 12 originals, within the first year of launch.

Previously, she led the consumer products division, driving the growth of Disney’s licensing business by expanding Disney’s intellectual property (IP) into various consumer products through collaborations with numerous domestic partners. She focused on delivering the best brand experience to Korean consumers by introducing products tailored specifically for the Korean market. Additionally, she has overseen the media and channel divisions.

Meanwhile, former Disney Korea representative Sang-ho Oh has been appointed as head of Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia Studio division. He will lead the expansion of Disney’s major studio businesses in growth markets including Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.