Walt Disney (1901–1966), the creator of 'Mickey Mouse,' became known in colonial Korea during the 1930s. In 1936, the Chosun Ilbo published an article titled, “Introducing an Unusual Filmmaker: Walt Disney, the Creator of Mickey Mouse.”

“Walt Disney is the father who created Mickey Mouse. Though only 33–34 years old at the time, he had already become the most popular star in the global film industry over the past few years, shining brightly.”

The article introduced his childhood love for zoos and identified his success as stemming from his swift transition from silent to sound films.

''Like other city boys, he loved zoos. Whenever he visited, he would cling to the fence, oblivious to the setting sun, his eyes fixed on the animals' movements. (Omitted) However, his true success began when 'talkies' emerged, and he quickly incorporated sound into his animations. This innovation made cartoons more entertaining with music and sound effects, boosting their popularity and expanding his 'studio' to its current grandeur. Two years prior, Disney received an Academy Award for creating Mickey Mouse and earned $500,000 from the single animated film 'The Three Little Pigs.'” (February 1, 1936, evening edition, page 6. Partially modernized)

Interest in Disney continued. The Chosun Ilbo reported that he received France's highest honor, the Légion d'honneur medal (February 5, 1936), faced a trademark dispute over Mickey Mouse (June 21, 1936), and was set to release the feature-length animated film 'Pinocchio' (September 15, 1939, morning edition, page 4).

During the 1950s, following liberation and the Korean War, news about Disney slowed down. He regained attention in the 1960s, when South Korea began its economic development plans.

In 1963, the Chosun Ilbo covered Disney's 40th anniversary in Hollywood and introduced Disneyland, the theme park. The article, titled “Walt Disney, the Creator of Joy: An Ageless Childhood Heart / Bringing Hope to Humanity Through Mickey Mouse and Others” (June 13, 1963, page 3), highlighted his legacy. Disney's animated films were also advertised consecutively: 'Cinderella Princess,' a work by master Walt Disney (August 22, 1962), and “Walt Disney's Summer Gift to Every Home: A Full-House Success with 'Pinocchio'” (August 15, 1963).

In June 1963, the Chosun Ilbo signed a special contract with Walt Disney Studios to serialize Mickey Mouse comics. Starting February 21, 1965, these were moved to The Boy Chosun Ilbo, which had just been launched. Until this period, Mickey Mouse comics were published only in Hangeul, but from then on, they included both the English original and the Hangeul translation a deliberate effort to aid English learning.

Disney died on December 15, 1966, at the age of 65. He had undergone surgery two weeks prior after being diagnosed with lung cancer but did not recover. The Chosun Ilbo celebrated his achievements in an obituary, stating, “He created over 600 films and set a record with 31 Oscar wins, a brilliant excellence that once made him a candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize” (December 17, 1966, page 2).

The mini-column 'Manmul Sang' (All Things) honored Disney as “this century's Santa Claus”:

''Disney once said that working solely for 'money' is the most miserable thing. He valued passion for work itself, and the money he earned was used to create things like 'Disneyland,' contributing to humanity's love and peace. That is why we do not remember him merely as a filmmaker or cartoonist. He was not a hero who harmed others but a true hero who gave laughter and love to all a Santa Claus of this century. Along with all global fans who grew up watching Mickey Mouse, we pray for his peace.'' (December 18, 1966, page 2)