Disney+ has been testing waters since the last few years by investing more on South Korean content. Ranging from movies to k-dramas to documentaries on k-pop idols, the streamer has been following Netflix’s path with not much success to boast about. Two of its prominent successes were Jung Hae-in and Blackpink member Jisoo starrer ‘Snowdrop’ and Rookie Cops. Although the streamer churned few other originals like Soundtrack#1, Rain or Shine, Untouchable, Shadow Detective etc, not all of them saw success. Disney+ is thus placing huge bets on these two upcoming star-studded shows to end this year with a bang!
If you’re an ardent k-drama follower, the two shows wouldn’t be alien to you. It’s the veteran Choi Min-sik starrer ‘Big Bet’ (earlier known as Casino) and Takashi Miike creation ‘Connect’ starring Jung Hae-in in the lead role. Jung Hae-in is already Disney+ and Netflix’s Golden Boy with both Snowdrop (Disney+) and D.P. (Netflix) being huge hits. Choi Min Sik on the other hand is making a splashy cone-back to small screens after 26 long years.
‘Big Bet‘ is coming with a huge hype largely because of it’s star-cast. Choi Min-sik is unarguably one of the most celebrated actors South Korea has even seen. He also is a huge box-office clout. Fans of Oldboy can never forget his performance in the generation defining classic. So quite obviously, Big Bet is an anticipated show this December for the audience as well as Disney+. Directed by Ka ng Yoon-sung, The series revolves around a legendary figure in the Philippines’ casino world. The show is scheduled for a December 21st release, exclusively on Disney+ and Disney+Hotstar in India.
‘Connect‘, on the other hand is largely anticipated because of it’s creator-director, the iconic Takashi Miike and its leading man Jung Hae-in who is quite a sensation off-late. Based on a webtoon of the same name, Connect is a sci-fi mystery thriller that follows a man who has been deprived of one of his body parts by organ hunters once he connects with a person who has received the organ transplant. Connect is scheduled to premiere on Disney+ and Disney+Hotstar (in India) on December 7th.
Disney+ is placing huge bets on these two already hyped limited series. They have big names on-board, promising storylines and hype as well. Let’s hope this holiday season turns out great for Disney+ original Korean content unlike the rest of the year. Stay tuned for more updates.