Disney+'s 'Moving' producer wins big at Korea Content Awards

By Baek Byung-yeul

Jang Kyung-ik, CEO of CJ ENM's content production arm, Studio Dragon, received the culture merit medal from the government at the Korea Content Awards on Wednesday.

He was recognized for his role in producing various works with innovative storytelling, including the hit Disney+ series "Moving.”

Celebrating its 16th year, the Korea Content Awards present government awards and certificates to individuals and outstanding content that contribute to the development of the nation’s content industry.

The event is hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and organized by the Korea Creative Content Agency.

This year, 23 individuals were honored in three categories — overseas expansion, broadcast and video industry development and game industry development. Additionally, 15 works in animation, character and manhwa (Korean comics) categories received awards.

Jang is well-known for producing popular dramas, including the 2016 drama "Descendants of the Sun," "Doctor Cha” (2023) and "Moving" (2023).

"Jang Kyung-ik has worked in the drama production field, producing various works with artistic value and popular appeal such as 'Descendants of the Sun,' 'Doctor Cha' and 'Moving,' greatly contributing to promoting the excellence of K-content to the world and developing the broadcast industry," the ministry said.

In particular, the Disney+ series "Moving," based on the webtoon of the same name by creator Kang Full, gained immense popularity not only in Korea but also globally. The 20-episode series depicts the story of children hiding their superpowers and their parents who are living with painful secrets.

Jang previously served as CEO of the film division at content production company NEW and as CEO of Studio&NEW until May. "Moving" was produced by Studio&NEW while he was in office.

"Jang produced Disney+'s 'Moving,' presenting the potential of a Korean-style hero narrative," the ministry said. "('Moving') has established itself as Disney+'s major hit of 2023, proving the competitiveness of K-dramas.”

Presidential commendations were awarded to Bae Ki-sik, CEO of RIDI, a local e-book platform operator; Nexon Games CEO Park Yong-hyun; Chang Si-won, producer at content production company Studio C1; Lee Myung-woo, producer at Studio M; and Choi Ji-won, director of Neowiz, best known for the popular video game "Lies of P."

Among the award recipients, RIDI's CEO led the global webtoon or online comics subscription service Manta Comics to the top position in the comics application category of the U.S. Google Play app store. Additionally, author Kim Su-ji's romance-fantasy web fiction "Under the Oak Tree," serviced on RIDI, gained great popularity in the global market.

In the comics category, the Presidential Award was given to "The Ruler of The Land," which celebrated its 30th anniversary of serialization this year. In the animation category, the 2024 animation "Yumi's Cells: The Movie" was honored, while in the character category, various characters, including Bebefinn, received awards.

"K-content is elevating Korea's status by receiving great love and deep trust on the world stage. Furthermore, the content industry has now established itself as a core driving force leading the country’s economy and future beyond the realm of culture and art," Culture Minister Yu In-chon said.

"The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will strive to create an environment where all those working for the development of the content industry can work more freely and creatively.”