The 20-year Disney veteran once ran the company’s Japan and Korea business. She takes over Dec. 1 as Luke Kang retires, and Disney+ K-dramas are part of her job.
Disney has a new boss for its business across Asia.
Carol Choi will become president of The Walt Disney Company Asia-Pacific on Dec. 1, Disney announced Tuesday, Oct. 20. She replaces Luke Kang, who is retiring after 16 years with the company.
Choi is a 20-year Disney veteran. She’s currently an executive vice president in the region, and before that she ran Disney in Japan and Korea as managing director and held senior jobs in Greater China.
What will Carol Choi be in charge of at Disney?
A lot. Her region covers Greater China, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
That includes Disney’s movie studios business there, Disney+, local original shows, consumer products, TV networks and content sales, Patrick Frater reported. India and the rest of South Asia aren’t part of her territory.
In her current role, Choi has led the region’s studios business, its original content strategy and its marketing.
What did Disney say about Carol Choi?
Disney Entertainment Studios chairman Alan Bergman and ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro announced the move together. They called Choi “a proven Disney leader with broad operating experience” and said she understands the region.
Choi said she’s honored to take the job and thanked Kang for building a strong foundation. She called Asia-Pacific home to some of the world’s most passionate fans and said she wants to deepen Disney’s connection with them.
Kang said leading Disney in the region through a period of big growth was an extraordinary privilege.
Who is Luke Kang?
He’s been a major player for Disney in Asia for more than a decade. Kang joined the company to run its Korea business, then went on to lead Greater China and North Asia before becoming president of Asia-Pacific.
Disney credited him with growing its presence through more local content, digital innovation and fan engagement.
Does Carol Choi run the Disney parks in Asia?
No. Choi’s job covers Disney’s entertainment businesses, like movies, streaming and merchandise.
The theme parks are a separate part of the company. Shanghai Disney Resort and Hong Kong Disneyland fall under Disney’s parks division, and Tokyo Disney Resort is owned and run by Oriental Land Co., which licenses the Disney name.
So if you’re waiting on news about Shanghai’s Spider-Man coaster or Japan’s first Disney cruise ship, that’s someone else’s desk.
What does this mean for Disney+ K-dramas?
Korea will be one of the biggest parts of Choi’s job, and she’s run Disney’s Korea business before.
Disney+ has leaned hard into Korean originals in recent years, with series like Moving, Casino, and Made in Korea, which has already been renewed for a second season. Disney+ K-drama Hyper Knife even landed an International Emmy nomination this year.
Disney is also pushing to grow Disney+ across Asia. It recently announced a new bundle with Indonesia’s largest streaming service, Laughing Place noted.
Her region also covers Japan, where Disney+ has picked up anime like Tokyo Revengers and Summer Time Rendering.
With someone who knows the Korea and Japan markets taking over, fans of Disney+ K-dramas and anime have a reason to be optimistic.
Why is Disney shaking up its leadership?
New CEOs usually bring changes at the top, and Disney is no exception. Since Josh D’Amaro took over, the company has made a string of executive moves, from layoffs to changes on the tech side.
Disney has also been offering early retirement to some eligible executives. Kang’s exit comes after 16 years, so this one looks more like a planned handoff than a shake-up.
Choi officially starts Dec. 1. The announcement didn’t say who will take over her current executive vice president role.
Article compiled and written by Kambrea Pratt (editor-in-chief), Derek Gibbs (beat editor) and the Pirates & Princesses newsroom. Pirates & Princesses is part of WebReef Media.
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Hat Tips:
The Hollywood Reporter (Oct. 20, 2026), the appointment, via Laughing Place
Laughing Place, Dirk Libbey (Oct. 20, 2026), the statements, the region and the Disney+ bundle
Patrick Frater (Oct. 20, 2026), Choi’s background, Kang’s history and the full scope of the job
Variety (Oct. 20, 2026), Kang’s 16 years at Disney
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