EXCLUSIVE: Sony will cease to self-distribute in South Korea on December 31 as it emerged that the joint venture with Disney will be dissolved.

Universal Pictures International will take over distribution of the Sony slate in South Korea, according to a person with knowledge of the matter who wasn’t authorised to speak publicly and requested anonymity.

It is understood that approximately eight of the 16 staff are being relocated to other jobs within Sony, Disney and Universal, while the remaining eight will be made redundant.

Sony Pictures Releasing Walt Disney Studio Korea’s last release will be the Brad Pitt starrer Fury on November 20. Pitt is scheduled to tour the region to promote the film.

Columbia Tristar established its South Korea branch in 1990 before the joint venture with Disney took over in 2006.

According to the Korean Film Council (KOFIC), Sony Pictures Releasing Walt Disney Studio Korea ranked as the top distribution the first half of this year on 22% market share.

Jean Noh contributed to this report