Tag: Disney+

Korean super powered drama “Moving” becomes most viewed Series Finale ever on Disney+ across APAC

After an exceptional seven-week run that captivated audiences across the world with its fresh take on the super powered genre, Korean series Moving has once again broken records to become the most viewed series finale ever on Disney+ across APAC including Korea, the Philippines and Taiwan.

First launched on August 9, 2023, Moving has enjoyed record breaking success since its debut, rapidly becoming the most viewed Korean original series across Disney+ and Hulu. Widely praised for breathing new life into the super powered genre, the epic twenty-episode serieshas also received critical acclaim for its daring narrative structure, dynamic action sequences and breathtaking storytelling.

Starring some of the biggest names in the Korean entertainment industry, including Ryu Seungryong, Han Hyojoo and Zo Insung in his long-awaited return to a drama series, Moving tells the story of a group of South Korean spies working to protect their super powered children from harm and exploitation at the hands of malicious government agencies. Initially recruited because of their extraordinary abilities, including flight, instant healing and enhanced senses, the spies disappeared without a trace after being tasked with carrying out increasingly dubious missions. Now with their children exhibiting similar abilities and a dangerous assassin rapidly picking off super-powered individuals, the parents must leave their peaceful lives behind to become the “monsters” they once were.

Hailed as “proving the power of quality K-content” by KBS Media; dubbed “a soaring superhero saga” with “an epic finale that moves us to tears” by the South China Morning Post, and “a superhero story with an emotional core” by Forbes, the series has quickly become one of the most beloved shows on Disney+.

Fans of Moving and other unmissable Korean storiescan now also enjoy the first three episodes of The Worst of Evil exclusively on Disney+. Set in 1990s Gangnam, The Worst of Evil is a fast-paced crime thriller that sees volatile police officer Park Junmo infiltrate a dangerous new gang in an attempt to bring them down from the inside. Headed up by Jung Gicheul, a shrewd, charismatic leader, the gang has taken control of the city’s drug trade, flooding the streets with a new drug called “Gangnam Crystal”. With the gang’s grasp on Gangnam getting ever tighter, the lines between right and wrong will begin to blur, forcing Junmo to choose between his mission and his wife.

Stream all episodes of Moving now exclusively on Disney+.

_{*Based on views in the first 5 days streaming on Disney+. A view is defined as total stream time divided by runtime.}

_{**Based on hours streamed in its first 7 days streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.}

October 6, 2023
Trailer and Key Art Revealed For ‘The Kardashians’ Season Four, Premiering September 28th Exclusively on Disney+

Disney+ revealed the trailer and key art for season four of “The Kardashians”. The fan-favorite Original series will return September 28^th exclusively on Disney+, with new episodes every Thursday. The first three seasons are available to stream now on Disney+.

The cameras are back with all access to the personal and private lives of Kris, Kourtney, Kim, Khloé, Kendall and Kylie. From second chances and new beginnings to unexpected blessings, they continue to bare it all together, a reminder that the most beautiful part of life is family.

Fulwell 73 partner Ben Winston executive produces alongside Emma Conway and Elizabeth Jones with Danielle King serving as showrunner and executive producer. Kris Jenner, Kourtney Kardashian Barker, Kim Kardashian, Khloé Kardashian, Kendall Jenner and Kylie Jenner also serve as executive producers.

About Disney+
Disney+ is the dedicated streaming home for movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and Star, along with The Simpsons and much more. The service offers an ever-growing collection of exclusive originals, including feature-length films, documentaries, live-action and animated series, and short-form content. With unprecedented access to Disney’s long history of incredible film and television entertainment, Disney+ is also the exclusive streaming home for the newest releases from The Walt Disney Studios. For more, visit disneyplus.com, or find the Disney+ app on select compatible mobile and connected TV devices.

September 15, 2023
Disney and Pixar’s “Elemental” Begins Streaming on Disney+ Sept. 13

Disney+ announced that the fiery young woman Ember and go-with-the-flow guy Wade from Disney and Pixar’s “Elemental” are venturing to the streamer next week. The original feature film begins streaming on Disney+ Sept. 13—also debuting that day is the making-of documentary “Good Chemistry: The Story of Elemental,” and Pixar Animation Studios’ short “Carl’s Date,” featuring the fan-favorite talking dog Dug. Check out a 15-second spot and key art celebrating the upcoming streaming launch of “Elemental.”

Elemental

Opening in theaters this summer, Disney and Pixar’s “Elemental” is among 2023’s top 10-grossing films worldwide, earning nearly $480 million in global box office. Set in Element City, where Fire-, Water-, Earth- and Air-residents live together, the original feature film introduces Ember (voice of Leah Lewis), whose friendship with a fun and sappy guy named Wade (voice of Mamoudou Athie) challenges her beliefs about the world they live in. Directed by Peter Sohn, produced by Denise Ream, p.g.a., and executive produced by Pete Docter, “Elemental” features a screenplay by John Hoberg & Kat Likkel and Brenda Hsueh with story by Sohn, Hoberg & Likkel and Hsueh.

Good Chemistry: The Story of Elemental

Pixar director Peter Sohn takes viewers on a humorous personal journey through the inspiration behind Disney and Pixar’s feature film “Elemental.” “Good Chemistry: The Story of Elemental” traces his parents’ voyage from Korea to New York, explores his dad’s former grocery shop in the heart of the Bronx, and delves into his choice of a career in animation, rather than the family business. The documentaryis a delightful look at the unexpected influences that led to the making of the comedy-adventure “Elemental.” “Good Chemistry” is directed by Tony Kaplan and produced by Sureena Mann.

Carl’s Date

Written and directed by Academy Award® nominee and Emmy® Award winner Bob Peterson and produced by Kim Collins, “Carl’s Date” finds Carl reluctantly agreeing to go on a date with a lady friend—but admittedly with no idea how dating works these days. Ever the helpful friend, Dug steps in to calm Carl’s pre-date jitters and offer some tried-and-true tips for making friends—if you’re a dog. The new short, which opened in front of “Elemental” in theaters on June 16, joins an existing collection of shorts, “Dug Days,” that follow the humorous misadventures of the lovable pup with the high-tech collar. “Dug Days” is currently streaming on Disney+.

September 7, 2023
REVIEW: Getting Lost with NCT 127: a review of the first episode of ‘NCT 127: The Lost Boys’

On August 30, Disney+ will release the 4-part limited series ‘NCT 127: The Lost Boys.’ It is a docu-series that will allow the 9 members of the very popular Kpop idol group NCT 127 to reflect on their success since their debut in 2016 and ruminate on how their “lost childhood.” It promises to get intimate, and personal with each member as they speak about what it was like growing up under the spotlight, surrounded by the press and the fans, and growing up as successful idols since they blasted into the music scene.

Each episode will focus on two or three members and in the first episode, we are introduced to the band. We get to hear the 9 members talk about themselves as a group, what NCT stands for and what it really means (the answer is just as vague but interesting to hear from their own mouths), and then it segues straight into two of the hardest working members of NCT (and maybe even Kpop), Mark Lee and Haechan.

After all, these two members are not just singing and dancing with NCT 127 but with NCT Dream as well. They are learning the songs, harmonies, choreography, and lore of two different idol groups, both of which are very successful. Recognising that and starting with them was a pretty good move on the part of the filmmakers as they would have a larger appeal since their fan base might be a lot bigger and they can start at a place of tension – how Mark and Haechan are exhausted and might be feeling lost.

The show takes a very creative and artistic way of visualizing the narrations of the members. Instead of just simple talking heads or a basic interview style, ‘NCT 127: The Lost Boys’ uses an almost theatrical approach to this autobiographical documentary. In the show, they call it “performance art.” For Mark, he recreates his childhood with actors playing his younger self, his teenage self, while Mark plays his present day self. Other members can play other characters in Mark’s narration of his thoughts and memories.

For Haechan, they take the approach of therapists couch, or even a hypnotist allowing Haechan to question his own choices and to reflect upon the conditions of his youth that brought him to where he is now as a member of NCT 127.

As someone not familiar with NCT 127 (I am familiar with NCT Dream, though, so Mark Lee and Haechan opening the first episode was an accessible experience for me), the show has yet to sell to me the group. I was invested in the first episode because I am familiar with the two idols from their membership in another group. But getting a feel of the group as a whole, it wasn’t bringing me in yet.

It feels as if the show is tailor-made for the existing fans of NCT 127. Just more content that allows the fans to feel closer to their idols. Maybe as the next three episodes unfold, getting to know the other members might help a non-fan like me to see what NCT 127 is all about and what makes them special from all the other groups that are out there today.

It’s an interesting approach, though, to take: allowing the members to discuss their lost childhood. It opens up and implies what is lost when becoming an idol. Sure, these young men are dressed in designer clothes, are famous, and followed wherever they go. They get to sing and dance for a living, which is something they probably wanted to do (for Haechan, that was something that was passed down from his musician parents) but it comes at a great cost.

By using the creative execution of their stories, though, it can distract from the human element of sadness and maybe regret that can surface in recollections such as these. The fact that the process requires acting, costumes, and choreography can distance you from the actual heart of the message. It turns their stories into entertainment rather than a true meditation on the cost of fame.

Ending the episode with a performance from one of their hit songs may also be another way of catching the attention of non-fans and bringing them into the fandom, or just another way to satisfy the fans’ need for more content to watch and enjoy.

‘NCT 127: The Lost Boys’ is a glossy, refined docu-series that feels set to bring new people into the world of the idol group while giving longtime fans a deeper look into the inner worlds of the idols. It will strengthen that bond that is already there, but it won’t humanize them as much as the show envisions. It continues to prop them up as superstars and entertainers. Their humanity gets lost in the production values and creativity.

My Rating:

‘NCT 127: The Lost Boys’ is now streaming on Disney+. Watch it here.

August 30, 2023
Record-breaking drama ‘Moving’ becomes top Korean Original Series on Disney+ and Hulu

Featuring international espionage, super-powered spies and deadly assassins, Korean drama and tentpole series Moving has quickly captured the world’s attention, becoming the most-watched Korean original on Disney+ globally and Hulu in the U.S. based on hours streamed after 7 days.

In its first week since launch on August 9, the hit new series also became the most watched series on Disney+ across APAC, including Korea, Japan, Southeast Asia (such as the Philippines), Hong Kong and Taiwan (based on hours watched), and the biggest premiere on Disney+ in Korea to date, based on hours streamed in the first week since launch. Moving launched globally on Disney+ in 65 markets and countries and Hulu in the U.S.

“The global consumer response towards the first 11 episodes of Moving has exceeded our expectations,” said Carol Choi, Executive Vice President of Original Content Strategy, The Walt Disney Company APAC. “From the U.S. to all across APAC, it is fast becoming a breakout hit with its captivating storyline, world-class cast and incredible post-production effects — all coming together to deliver exceptional storytelling.”

Starring some of the biggest names in the Korean entertainment industry, including Ryu Seungryong, Han Hyojoo and Zo Insung in his long-awaited return to a drama series, Moving tells the story of a group of South Korean spies working to protect their super-powered children from harm and exploitation at the hands of malicious government agencies. Initially recruited because of their extraordinary abilities including flight, instant healing and enhanced senses, the spies disappeared without a trace after being tasked with carrying out increasingly dubious missions. Now with their children exhibiting similar abilities and a dangerous assassin rapidly picking off super-powered individuals, the parents must leave their peaceful lives behind to become the “monsters” they once were.

Hailed as “proving the power of quality K-content” by KBS Media, dubbed “a gripping new K-drama action series” by Newsweek, “a superhero story with an emotional core” by Forbes, and a “completely different and new hero story” by Max Movie, the first 11 episodes of Moving are available for audiences to enjoy today. Two new episodes are set to release every Wednesday, with a three-part series finale slated for September 20.

Moving joins a rapidly expanding library of Korean content now available on Disney+, including the Blue Dragon Series Award-winning Big Bet, starring legendary actor Choi Minsik as a serial entrepreneur who repeatedly breaks the law to help bolster his burgeoning casino business; The Zone: Survival Mission; Soundtrack #1 and much more.

Stream the first 11 episodes of Moving today, exclusively on Disney+

August 25, 2023
Inside Look: Disney+ ‘Moving’ Press Conference Reveals Superpowered Drama
ClickTheCity was invited to the global press conference for Disney+’s latest action-packed, super-powered Korean drama called ‘Moving.’ Based on the hit webtoon of the same name by Kangfull, the show is about teens and their parents, both of which have amazing superhuman powers and are hiding from the world. It’s a show that boasts of intense character relationships amidst secret agents, assassins, and paranormal gifts that include flight, super strength and speed, regeneration, and even electric powers.

It came out last August 9 and has been very popular since its release.

The show boasts of incredible special effects with over 60 studios involved in making all the special effects of the show’s 20 episodes. With each episode saving up some of its running time to show off some high-impact action sequences and super-powered fight scenes, ‘Moving’ is offering something completely different from your usual Kdramas; one that can rival all the superhuman shows of western television.

Prior to the show’s release, the cast and the creators met with the press to talk about their then-upcoming new series. The star-studded cast includes Ryu Seungryeong (who you might recognize in ‘Kingdom’ season 1 and 2 and the hilarious comedy ‘Extreme Job’), Han Hyo Joo (‘Happiness’ and ‘The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure’), Zo Insung (‘Escape from Mogadishu’), Kim Sungkyun (‘Reply 1988’), Chae Taehyun (‘The Producers’), Kim Hee Won (‘Misaeng: An Incomplete Life’) and young stars Lee Jungha, Go Younjung, and Kim Dohoon.

Here are some of the highlights from the press conference:
- From the way the cast talked and dealt with each other, you could see there’s a lot of love in that ensemble. They were all friendly and unguarded – not afraid at all to be silly. A lot of the actors playing parents would stay in character and talk about the actors playing their children as if they were really their kids. For example, Lee Jungha was very nervous as this is his first big lead role in a drama series. He was so nervous that Han Hyo Joo, who plays his mom in the show, cheered him on and spoke so highly of him “as his mom” whereas Zo Insung, who plays his father, apologised for his nervousness, and wished he “raised him better.”
- From the press conference, we discovered that webtoon writer and creator of ‘Moving’ wrote the show and was part of the casting process. Kim Sungkyun was cast as Lee Jaeman because he looked just like the character in the webtoon. Chae Taehyun’s character, Jeon Gye-do, on the other hand, is a character that doesn’t appear in the web toon. Kangfull wrote him into the show to help expand the world.
- They showed clips from the behind-the-scenes of the show and you can see the amount of work that was spent on the fight choreography, the wire-works (for the flying scenes and moments of super-strength), and the other practical effects.
- Kim Hee Won is just as funny as his persona in the variety show ‘House on Wheels.’ He jokes about being the only character in the show without superpowers and how, as a teacher, everyone learned from him.
- There’s a lot of love and respect that was given to Han Hyo Joo with Zo Insung even saying that Han Hyo Joo should also be recognized globally as an actress because the Korean entertainment industry is too small for her talent. Everyone in the cast agreed.
- Prior to the Q&A, all the actors were shot individually by the photographers and they were asked to do superhero poses and you could see who were very game to do so and who weren’t.
The press conference shed light on the series’ unique approach to superhuman abilities, its stellar cast chemistry, and the meticulous craftsmanship behind its action-packed sequences. As ‘Moving’ continues to captivate audiences, get ready for a genre-bending journey that embraces the extraordinary in the realm of Kdramas.

MOVING is now streaming on Disney+. Watch it here.
August 24, 2023
Korean Crime Drama “The Worst of Evil” Arrives September 27 Exclusively on Disney+

When a potent new recreational drug begins spreading throughout Seoul’s liveliest venues, an undercover officer will infiltrate the gang responsible in The Worst of Evil –a thrilling new crime drama coming September 27, exclusively on Disney+.

In 1990s Seoul, a former DJ seized control of a gang and began pushing a popular new drug nicknamed “Gangnam Crystal” in the city’s nightclubs. With little known about its source, a rural officer is recruited into an undercover police unit and is tasked with infiltrating the gang to bring it down from the inside. Forced to keep his new assignment a secret from everyone, officer Park Junmo is stunned to discover his wife and fellow officer Yu Euijeong has volunteered for the same assignment and that she has a mysterious past with the city’s new drug lord. Torn between his dedication to his job and his need to keep his wife safe, Junmo’s actions will keep viewers on the edge of their seat throughout.

Starring Ji Changwook (Backstreet Rookie, Suspicious Partner, Empress Ki) as police officer Park Junmo, Wi Hajun (Squid Game, 18 Again, Little Women) as DJ turned gang-leader, Jung Gicheul; and Lim Semi (My Secret Terrius, Shopping King Louis) as security officer Yu Euijeong, The Worst of Evil is directed by Han Dongwook (Man in Love) and written by Jang Minseok (Secret Union, Maundy Thursday).

A 12-episode series with a three-episode premiere, three-episode finale and two episodes released each week in between, The Worst of Evil joins an ever-growing lineup of unmissable Korean series now available on Disney+. Fans of Korean crime dramas can sign-up to Disney+ today to enjoy immediate access to the award-winning series Big Bet starring legendary actor Choi Minsik; Big Mouth, about a lawyer who is arrested as part of the murder case he is investigating;as well as an entire library of world-class entertainment.

Stream The Worst of Evil from September 27, exclusively on Disney+.

August 15, 2023
REVIEW: Disney+’s new series ‘Moving’ is the best of two worlds: Kdrama and Western superhero shows

While there are a good number of Korean dramas that feature supernatural abilities or paranormal powers (‘Strong Girl Bong Soon,’ ‘While You Were Sleeping,’ ‘He is Psychometric,’ amongst others), this is the first Kdrama I’ve ever encountered that really leans in to the world of comic book superheroes in a Western way. Based off of the webtoon of the same name by Kangfull, ‘Moving’ is a 20-episode Kdrama about people with superpowers and a dark history that has driven them into hiding.

Directed by Park Inje (Kingdom season 2) and written by the original webtoon creator Kangfull, the story of ‘Moving’ unfolds in an interesting way. It opens in the present day following the story of 2 teens – Kim Bongseok (Lee Jungha) and Jang Huisoo (Go Younjung) – who have powers and find themselves going to the same school. As they navigate senior year and confiding each other with their abilities, we also discover that their parents also have powers but are keeping theirs secret too.

What first seems like a coming-of-age story of two kids with superpowers, begins to unravel as a complex story that involves governments, secret agents, and assassins. The story of the parents are a lot more complex than what the first few episodes show us and by the time we reach closer to the midway point, we discover that the story needs to fork into two timelines – the present and the past.

‘Moving’ boasts of an expensive budget and incredible CGI work for a drama series. Within the first ten episodes, there are images and visuals of flying, of regeneration, of superhuman strength and speed, and effects involving electricity. The show is also relentless in its action and fight choreography. Director Park Inje is also quite adept at creating striking images of the characters using their powers and while it feels exciting when it’s shown in the context of a fight scene, it’s when he uses it in relation to the young kids’ experiences of everyday life that it really shines.

There’s a great scene when Huisoo discovers Bongseok’s power of flight for the first time, it’s so elegantly done and it covers all the wonderful emotions that the two young actors can display. There’s another scene, also involving Bongseok’s flying abilities, of him cleaning a bathroom in the throes of young romance that makes a great visual.

This is what makes the show really shine. Yes, there are superpowers in it – and to the point where it feels like an MCU series – but that’s the easy stuff. The best parts is when it stays within the realm of Kdramas and work on their characters and their relationships. Bongseok’s and Huisoo’s relationship is a very special, wonderful little storyline that keeps everyone engaged. Then, playing counterpoint to each other, you have the Bongseok with his mom (Han Hyo Joo) and Huisoo and her dad (Ryu Seungryong). Bongseok and his mom is a tenuous relationship, with Han Hyo Joo’s Lee Mihyun as being overprotective and extra cautious. The tiredness and exhaustion of her character is explicit in every move she makes but the love is there, buried inside. It’s a wonderful performance that brings some very touching scenes. On the other hand, Huisoo and her father, Jang Juwon, have a more loving relationship – one that has both characters always walking on eggshells with each other. It’s so wonderfully played out that I cannot wait until the moment when the teens find out their parents have abilities.

This is why the show loses out on its strength as it gets closer to the midpoint. The first four or five episodes are working with multiple characters and weaves a tapestry of persons of interest. How they connect each other and how they relate to each other makes the show so good. By the sixth or seventh episode, they start to focus on one character’s backstory (usually a parent) and it takes the whole episode (sometimes two episodes) and I start to miss the present day storyline.

I understand that ‘Moving’ is building a world and is expanding it because it needs the space to move when all the characters come crashing into each other (by episode 10, they are still in each other’s periphery but have yet to come together) but it has made the episodes close to the midpoint feel dragging. Yes, we eventually see the histories of Jang Juwon and Lee Mihyun, but I’ve already invested in the friendship (and maybe even relationship) of Bongseok and Huisoo. There are also other characters like Lee Ganghoon (Kim Dohoon) and Chae Taehyun’s Jeon Gye-do and the assassin Frank, played by Ryu Seung-bum. Regardless, the first ten episodes of ‘Moving’ is proving to be an engaging new series that has the flavor of a Western/MCU type of superpowered show but with all the heart and the precision writing and character development of a Kdrama. It has a great cast and an intriguing, rich storyline with a lot of ground to cover. I won’t be surprised if the show ends in a cliff-hanger by the end of the 20th episode.

My Rating:

MOVING is now streaming on Disney+. Watch it here.

August 9, 2023
Korean Fantasy Drama “Arthdal Chronicles: The Sword of Aramun” returns for Season 2 this September on Disney+

A fateful story of heroes, each writing their own unique legends in the ancient land of Arth, season two of Arthdal Chronicles: The Sword of Aramun arrives this September on Disney+.

A Korean fantasy epic, Arthdal Chronicles: The Sword of Aramun will return with a captivating new story set eight years after King Tagon first ascended to the throne.

Starring Jang Donggun (A Gentleman’s Destiny, V.I.P.) as Tagon, the king of Arthdal; Lee Joongi (Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, The King and the Clown) as Eunseom, the leader of the Ago tribe and Inaishingi; Shin Saekyeong (Run On, The Girl Who Sees Scents) as Tanya, the high priestess of Arthdal; and Kim Okvin (Thirst, The Villainess) as the manipulative politician and first queen of Arthdal, Taealha; Arthdal Chronicles: The Sword of Aramun season two is directed by Kim Kwangsik (The Great Battle), and is written by season one writers Kim Younghyun and Park Sangyean.

Fans of breathtaking Korean dramas can sign-up to Disney+ today to enjoy immediate access to season one of Arthdal Chronicles: The Sword of Aramun; as well as the award-winning series Big Bet starring legendary actor Choi Minsik; and Big Mouth, about a lawyer who is arrested as part of the murder case he is investigating;and an entire library of world-class entertainment.

Stream season two of Arthdal Chronicles: The Sword of Aramun this September on Disney+.

July 31, 2023
Disney+ Welcomes Marvel Studios’ “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3”

Disney+ announced today that Marvel Studios’ “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” will begin streaming on Disney+ August 2. Watch the TV spot and get ready for our beloved heroes’ arrival on the streaming service.

In Marvel Studios’ “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” our beloved band of misfits are settling into life on Knowhere. But it isn’t long before their lives are upended by the echoes of Rocket’s turbulent past. Peter Quill, still reeling from the loss of Gamora, must rally his team around him on a dangerous mission to save Rocket’s life—a mission that, if not completed successfully, could quite possibly lead to the end of the Guardians as we know them.

The film stars Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, featuring Vin Diesel as Groot and Bradley Cooper as Rocket, Sean Gunn, Chukwudi Iwuji, Will Poulter and Maria Bakalova. James Gunn is the director and also wrote the screenplay. Kevin Feige produces with Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Nikolas Korda, Sara Smith, and Simon Hatt serving as executive producers.

Marvel Studios’ “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” comes exclusively to Disney+ on August 2, joining the other two films of the trilogy, “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.”

July 19, 2023