The Walt Disney Company announced on Wednesday it appointed Luke Kang, a broadcast media specialist, as new senior vice president and managing director for the Korean unit.

Kang, a Korean-American, will oversee the unit’s strategy and business and coordinate Disney global franchises in the market, the company said in a statement.

“The combination of Disney’s award-winning content with Korea’s dynamic digital landscape provides an amazing platform for growth,” Kang said.

“This role represents an exciting opportunity to increase Disney’s presence in Korea and connect with Korean consumers in a deeper, richer and more relevant way.”

Prior to Disney, Kang served as chief operating officer at Live 365, a California-based internet radio company. He also held a number of senior management roles with MTV Networks in Singapore and Korea.

Established in 1992, Disney has been promoting its consumer products and home and studio entertainment business here while expanding its media networks such as Disney Channel, Playhouse Disney, Disney Media Distribution and ESPN.

In May, its subsidiary Disney Channel International inked a joint venture deal with SK Telecom to launch television channels in the Korean language this year.

(heeshin@heraldcorp.com)