Viu, PCCW’s pan-regional OTT video streaming service, is rolling out Ok-Zuluseries – Korean dramas dubbed in isiZulu – as a part of its broader content material localisation technique.
Viu is introducing Korean dramas dubbed in isiZulu to South Africa (Picture provided)
The rollout goals to ship numerous, high-quality worldwide programming in a manner that resonates with native audiences.
This can improve cross-cultural leisure and language inclusion, as Elouise Kelly, nation supervisor, Viu South Africa explains, “Ok-dramas have captured world audiences with their vivid storytelling and heartfelt themes.
“By dubbing widespread Korean content material into isiZulu, a primary in South Africa, we’re bringing worldwide tales nearer to residence whereas affirming the cultural and industrial relevance of indigenous languages in mainstream leisure.”
Out there this winter on the free and premium tiers of the platform, the primary wave of Ok-Zulu titles – every with a cult following in its residence market – at the moment are made much more accessible via native language dubbing and English subtitles:
- Iqhawe Labafundi (Excessive College: Return of a Gangster) – Out there 30 June
A heart-pounding story of redemption and resilience, this sequence follows Kim Deuk-pal, a middle-aged gangster whose dream of a college schooling takes a surreal flip when he wakes up within the physique of a bullied highschool scholar. With themes of bullying, suicide prevention and second possibilities, this title speaks to the actual struggles many younger individuals face.
- Ezinsukwini Zokuqala (Pretty Runner) – Out there 12 August
When Im Sol discovers that her idol, high star Solar-jae, has died, she is transported 15 years into the previous and given an opportunity to vary his destiny. With its emotional depth and time-travel twist, this fantasy romance strikes a chord with youthful audiences and Ok-drama followers worldwide.
- Izidla Mafa (The Heirs) – Out there 19 AugustA teen romance set towards the backdrop of company wealth and social inequality, this sequence centres on Kim Tan, inheritor to a robust conglomerate, who falls for a housekeeper’s daughter. Glamorous, dramatic and filled with coronary heart, Izidla Mafa explores class divides, id and forbidden love.
Extra Ok-Zulu sequence can be added within the coming months.
Extra dubbed sequence
Constructing on the success of its isiZulu-dubbed Brazilian telenovelas earlier this yr, Viu is enriching its line-up with emotionally wealthy, character-driven sequence similar to Ungalahli Ithemba (By no means Give Up), Ngiyazifela Ngawe (Loopy About You), Ukuhlangana Kwezinhliziyo (Crossed Paths – additionally dubbed into Afrikaans) and Ngale Kothando (The Different Aspect of Paradise) to ring a bell with South African audiences.
Viu will even increase its assortment of Afrikaans-dubbed Turkish telenovelas with Drie Susters (Three Sisters) – a narrative of sibling bonds, sacrifice and private development.