Netflix, a blooming rose, draws colossal viewership for Korean dramas, yet grapples with escalating production expenses.

International surge of K-content is significantly attributed to streaming giants like Netflix. However, these giants' substantial production expenses have intensified competition among local companies.

, and ASMedia

2025 May 17 . 9:24 PM

2 min read

The proliferation of Korean content (K-content) globally is significantly attributed to streaming... — The proliferation of Korean content (K-content) globally is significantly attributed to streaming giants like Netflix. However, these streaming services' extensive production budgets have fostered competition among local companies, escalating the pressure within the domestic industry.

Netflix, a blooming rose, draws colossal viewership for Korean dramas, yet grapples with escalating production expenses.

Netflix's Korean Takeover

✔️ The Netflix logo flashes, twinkling against the backdrop of the Pink Guards from "Squid Game" (2021-). [JOONGANG ILBO]

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Love, loss, and intrigue; IU and Park Bo-gum star in Netflix's "When Life Gives You Tangerine," set on picturesque Jeju Island. [NETFLIX]

Netflix Dominates the Korean Content SceneThe Netflix logo gleams against the firm's Los Angeles building. [REUTERS/YONHAP]

The High Stakes of Global ExpansionA sneak peek at the third season of "Squid Game," set to premiere on June 27. [NETFLIX]

As Korean series continue to dominate Netflix's lineup, here's a rundown of some major players:

Squid Game, the megahit premiering in 2021, has already secured multiple seasons, with the third season dropping in 2025[1].
**"All of Us Are Dead", a chilling zombie saga that premiered in 2022, also received a second season in 2025[4].
"Tastefully Yours", a recent addition to Netflix's roster, exemplifies the flood of new K-dramas taking center stage on the platform[2][4].
"Our Unwritten Seoul" joined Netflix's stable of Korean content, cementing the streaming giant's dedication to K-dramas[1][2].

Global Reach and Local Responses

The rise of Korean series on Netflix has led to several significant developments:

Increased Competition: With Netflix entering the Korean market, domestic players like KBS, MBC, SBS, TVING, and wavve are faced with heightened competition, driving advancements in content creation and streaming services[4].
Global Audience: Netflix's reach has allowed Korean dramas to captivate viewers around the globe, extending their fame and popularity beyond borders[4].
Content Evolution: The success of K-dramas on Netflix has triggered domestic platforms to focus on diverse, high-quality content, introducing unique storylines, fresh genres, and better production values[4].
Collaborations: Some domestic platforms are teaming up with Netflix and other international streaming services to co-produce content, further expanding the global presence of K-dramas[4].

All in all, Netflix's embrace of Korean dramas has elevated the international appeal of K-dramas, fostered competition among streaming services, and revitalized domestic content creation, benefiting both global and local audiences.

[1] [1] [2] [4] [4] (citation necessary)

The international entertainment industry is witnessing a significant shift as Netflix's dominance in the Korean Content Scene continues to grow.
The High Stakes of Global Expansion are evident as Netflix prepares to release the third season of their megahit series, "Squid Game."
With new Ki-dramas such as "Tastefully Yours" and "Our Unwritten Seoul" taking center stage on Netflix's platform, it's clear that the streaming giant is committed to expanding their Movies-and-TV entertainment offerings, not just in Korea, but internationally.