Disney+ Faces Challenges: Can It Overcome ‘Knock-Off’ Shelved and ‘Tempest’ Underperformance?

Disney+ Faces Challenges with Korean Originals Amid Series Delays

The highly anticipated debut of actor Kim Soo Hyun’s series Knock-Off has been postponed indefinitely, adding to the complications faced by Disney+ in the realm of Korean content. Additionally, Tempest, featuring Jun Ji Hyun and Kang Dong Won, has not met audience expectations, prompting questions about the platform’s future direction. As anticipation builds for upcoming Korean originals scheduled for late 2025 and into 2026, Disney+ is under pressure to regain its footing.

Insights from the Disney+ Originals Preview 2025

On November 13, the Disney+ Originals Preview 2025 event took place at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel Conference Center, showcasing the company’s continued commitment to Korean content as part of its Asia-Pacific strategy.

Carol Choi, Executive of APAC Originals, highlighted the remarkable success of Korean productions on the platform since 2021, noting that out of the top 15 Disney+ titles in the region, 10 were Korean. Prior to Tempest‘s release, she expressed optimism that the series would contribute to an enduring trend of effective storytelling.

Examining Recent Setbacks

Unfortunately, Tempest did not resonate with audiences as anticipated, failing to live up to the excitement surrounding its talented cast. Luke Kang, President of The Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific, pointed to the platform’s earlier successes in 2023—namely Moving and Big Bet—as key examples of Korean hits. This highlights the critical need for a new flagship series to revitalize the service.

Jun Ji-hyun and other actors at a formal event appearance

Additionally, Knock-Off, once poised as a major offering, has been shelved due to controversies surrounding its lead actor, Kim Soo Hyun. Disney+ confirmed a pause on its release, stating, “After careful internal review, we decided to suspend the release, and no further updates have been provided since, ” leading to its omission from current and upcoming announcements.

Looking Ahead: New Content Slate

In spite of these challenges, the newest lineup of content suggests that Disney+ is eager to shift the narrative. Following the recent premiere of The Manipulated, the slate features a variety of titles including Made in Korea, Battle of Fates, Perfect Crown, Gold Land, A Shop for Killers 2, The Remarried Empress, and Portraits of Delusion.

Spotlight on Made in Korea

Leading Disney+’s resurgence is the highly anticipated series Made in Korea, set to premiere during the Christmas season of 2025. Set against the backdrop of the tumultuous 1970s, the narrative follows Baek Ki-tae, played by Hyun Bin, who seeks to manipulate the nation into a profitable business venture. Concurrently, prosecutor Jang Geon-young, portrayed by Jung Woo-sung, relentlessly pursues him.

Renowned director Woo Min-ho, celebrated for films such as The Man Standing Next and Inside Men, makes his debut in the OTT drama space with this project, which promises a cinematic experience across six episodes akin to that of feature films.

Disney+ event presentation with audience in foreground

Adding to the excitement, Made in Korea has already been renewed for a second season, with production currently underway and an expected release in late 2026.

Adaptations and Returns in the Upcoming Lineup

Additional noteworthy entries include the return of A Shop for Killers for its second season and several adaptations of popular Korean webtoons, such as The Remarried Empress, featuring stars like Shin Min-ah and Joo Ji-hoon, as well as the enchanting fantasy romance Portraits of Delusion, starring Suzy and Kim Seon-ho.

As Disney+ unveils an array of star-studded titles and ambitious narratives, industry watchers remain curious: Which of these upcoming series will ultimately serve as the critical success that Disney+ needs to secure its position in the competitive streaming landscape?

Sources: Daum

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