Sheffield-based ZOO Digital Group has launched a new Korean operation following a strategic investment in its long-time partner, WhatSub Pro.
The company, which which offers cloud-based localisation and digital media services to the entertainment industry, has acquired 51% of the Seoul-based firm, which provides subtitles and dubbing services.
In a statement, ZOO Digital said: “ZOO Korea will deliver an in-territory servicing hub for the biggest names in entertainment, helping to address the growing global demand for Korean content and distribution of non-Korean titles in the country with high-quality, secure dubbing, subtitling, quality control and media services.”
It said the acquisition would make ZOO “even better placed to support its global clients with premium localisation into and from the Korean language”.
The move follows the success of Korean series Squid Game, which enjoyed phenomenal success on Netflix last year and is the platform’s most-watched show in more than 90 countries.
Disney+ has also announced plans to create more than 50 Asia Pacific original productions by 2023.
Stuart Green, chief executive officer of ZOO Digital, said: “Korean content is becoming increasingly popular in global entertainment, garnering new audiences due to its high production values as viewers embrace foreign-language shows and movies.
“ZOO Korea will help our clients create the very best localised versions of this content and capture the imagination of new global followers and fans.”
Jonghyun Oh, managing director, ZOO Korea / WhatSub Pro, added: “ZOO Korea opens up new possibilities for content owners in the region and for the biggest players in global entertainment. With this strategic investment, we will be delivering our extensive local knowledge and dedication to cultural authenticity, now backed by ZOO’s global reach and innovative technology.”
ZOO Digital reported revenues of £28.4m for the year to March 2021, up from £21.5m in 2019/20.
