Sheffield media localisation specialist launches Korean hub following investment

ZOO Digital Group, the Sheffield based provider of end-to-end cloud-based localisation and media services to the global entertainment industry, has announced the launch of ZOO Korea following a strategic investment of 51 per cent in its long-time partner, WhatSub Pro.

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.

The new hub strengthens ZOO’s regional presence with experienced in-territory capacity and increases its media services capabilities. It will ensure ZOO is even better placed to support its global clients with premium localisation into and from the Korean language.

Global hits like Squid Game, the most watched Netflix show in more than 90 countries, have highlighted the international appeal of Korean content and the value of local content to streaming companies building their presence in new markets.

Having launched in the region last November, Disney+ has announced plans to create more than 50 Asia Pacific original productions by 2023, while Netflix has reported having spent more than $1bn on original Korean programming since 2015, including $500m in 2021 alone.

Partnering with ZOO in 2015, Seoul based WhatSub Pro has a network of dedicated Korean linguists and media specialists devoted to audiovisual content such as films, drama shows, documentaries, and gaming. It offers subtitling, dubbing, quality control and media services, supported by a combination of in-house and freelance talent.

Stuart Green, chief executive officer of ZOO Digital, commented: “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.