Disney Channel Comes to South Korea Disney Channel Comes to South Korea

Seoul, Korea — Television Media Korea (TMK), the joint venture formed in May 2010 between Disney Channel International (DCI), and SK Telecom (NYSE:SKM), announced today launch dates for the first local language, Disney-branded channels in South Korea. Disney Channel, a 24 hour channel geared towards kids age 6-14 and families, will become available on July 1, 2011 at 5pm. Disney Junior for kids age 2-7 and parents, will debut July 11 at 8am.

Both Disney Channel and Disney Junior will be available in HD multiplex as well as SD format over cable, direct-to-home and IPTV platforms and related on-demand digital media services in South Korea. Coinciding with the channels’ launch are the Korean language websites www.DisneyChannel.co.kr and www.Disneyjunior.co.kr.

Anchored by Disney’s much-loved characters and stories, both Disney Channel and Disney Junior schedules will feature locally produced Korean-language programming as well as award-winning global hits such as Phineas and Ferb, Stitch! and Fish Hooks animated series, live action including Good Luck Charlie, Shake It Up and Wizards of Waverly Place. In addition, the channels will present Disney branded movies such as the blockbuster franchise titles Toy Story and Cars and a new Disney Movie World block–a Korean-first–showcasing Disney movies including the latest blockbusters and beloved classics to a new generation of viewers.

“With our partners at SK Telecom, we look forward to delivering a breadth of quality programming to Korean kids and families, to entertain them as well as enrich their viewing experience with learning and imaginative stories and characters,” commented Carolina Lightcap, President, Disney Channels Worldwide.

“The launch of Disney Channels now means Korean kids and families can now experience the award winning content and characters that has made Disney Channels the global leader in children’s television,” said Mr. Moon Kim, General Manager, TMK. “Both Disney Channel and Disney Junior feature the hallmarks of the Disney brand: timeless storytelling and engaging characters. Available in Korean-language for the first-time, Disney Channel allows parents and kids to be engaged in content and a channel they can trust to provide age-appropriate entertainment.”

“Together with Disney through TMK, the launch of Disney Channel and Disney Junior is an excellent opportunity to fulfill the needs of the local audience who have high standards for quality content. SK Telecom’s extensive distribution network and our understanding of Korean audiences maximizes opportunities to bring the best family and children’s content when and where they want it,” said Mr. Seo, Jin-Woo, SK Telecom co-CEO.

New Series Programming Descriptions- all available in Korean language.

Phineas and Ferb
Phineas Flynn and his stepbrother, Ferb Fletcher, set out to conquer boredom and make every day of their 104-day summer vacation count, in Disney Channel and Disney XD’s Emmy Award-winning animated comedy series, Phineas and Ferb. The series, created and executive-produced by Emmy Award-winning Dan Povenmire (Family Guy) and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh (The Simpsons and Rocko’s Modern Life), is a production of Disney Television Animation. The animated series features high energy action and imaginative witty humor for kids and 2
families. The series is also honored with a 2010 Emmy® Award for “Outstanding Writing in Animation” and a BAFTA 2009 Children’s Award nomination.

Good Luck Charlie
The family sitcom Good Luck Charlie follows the comedic quandary of teenagers Teddy and PJ Duncan and their 12-year-old brother Gabe in their designated roles as babysitters for their toddler sister Charlie as their mom Amy works as a late shift nurse and dad Bob carries on with his pest-control business. Now, as Charlie turns 2, the entire family buckles up for all-new adventures and mishaps as Amy and Bob juggle their ever growing work schedules with Teddy and PJ’s growing teen angst, and Gabe discovers all the benefits to having a cute and cuddly baby sister.

Fish Hooks
Created by children’s book illustrator and author Noah Z. Jones, this imaginative, eye-catching and funny animated series revolves around three tweens, Bea, Milo and Oscar, as they navigate the choppy waters of high school… and, they happen to be fish. Starring are Chelsea Kane (JONAS L.A.) as Bea, an overly dramatic goldfish whose goal is to become the world’s greatest actress, Kyle Massey (Cory in the House) as Milo, an optimistic guy who loves his friends unconditionally, and Justin Roiland (The Sarah Silverman Program) as Oscar (Milo’s brother), a homebody who loves sci-fi and has a secret crush on Bea.

Chris Arrant

Latest News from Cartoon Brew