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| (Image Source: Hello Kpop/Netflix) |
More viewers from different parts of the globe, including the Philippines, are starting to get hooked on Korean content and literally everything that comprises the Korean pop culture scene and their newfound favorites in today's modern world are strengthened by the rise of streaming platforms such as Netflix which has produced and released 80 original Korean series and films since 2015. With the growing interest in hallyu or the Korean wave, Netflix and other services enable viewers within the safe comfort of their homes to binge-watch their favorite Korean TV show or movie on their entertainment devices and mobile phones.
Netflix Korea's vice president for content Kim Minyoung believed that great content should be shared to anyone and everyone no matter where you are in the world. “One thing remains unchanged and it's that content that satisfies our various needs, always wins over our hearts and minds. Great content can come from anywhere, at any time, and be loved, everywhere by everyone. So, this is the very reason why we decided to create Korean content that can resonate with a global audience with our local creators,” said Kim in her blog post. “I believe that our role is to help Korean content creators enjoy greater creative freedom. At the same time, we are working hard to make sure that brilliant Korean content can be brought to fans in more countries,” she added.
With this in mind, Netflix plans to produce and eventually bigger and better Korean content across diverse genres to global audiences for 2021 and beyond with an investment of US$500 million for this year in fulfillment of its newfound commitment, the opening of two new studios in Korea as well as the involvement and cooperation of Korean filmmakers and series directors in the creation and production of Netflix Korea Originals. “We’re investing in local creative communities and working with great creators and talent to discover stories that make us laugh, smile, and cry,” said Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos during the "Netflix See What's Next Korea" virtual press conference. “Our commitment towards Korea is strong. We will continue to invest and collaborate with Korean storytellers, across a wealth of genres and formats,” he also added. In fact, during the said virtual press conference, Netflix has announced a slate of upcoming original Korean series, shows and films that will become available on the global streaming service within 2021 and the foreseeable future.
These upcoming Netflix Korea Originals include Carter by Jung BByung-Gil; Moral Sense by Park Hyun-Jin; The Silent Sea starring Bae Doo-na, Gong Yoo, and Lee Joon and directed by Choi Hang-yong; D.P. starring Jung Hae-in, Koo Kyo-hwan, Kim Sung-kyun, and Son Seok-koo, and directed by Han Jun-hee; My Name starring Han So-hee, Park Hee-soon, Ahn Bo-hyun, Kim Sang-ho, Lee Hak-ju, and Jang Yull and directed by Kim Jin-min; Move to Heaven starring Lee Je-hoon and Tang Jun-sang and directed by Kim Sung-ho; Squid Game starring Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo and directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk; Love Alarm Season 2 starring Kim So-hyun, Jung Ga-ram, Song Kang, Ko Min-si, and Kim Si-eun and directed by Kim Jin-woo; Hellbound starring Yoo Ah-in, Park Jeong-min, Kim Hyun-ju, Won Jin-ah, and Yang Ik-june and directed by Yeon Sang-ho; and All of Us Are Dead starring Yoon Chan-yeong, Park Ji-hu, Cho Yi-hyun, Lomon, and Yoo In-soo and directed by Lee JQ and Enes Kim. Also announced are a special spin-off episode of "Kingdom: Ashin Of The North" starring Gianna Jun and Park Byung-Eun, the film Night In Paradise directed by Park Hoon-Jung which is due out on April 9th, Lee Su-Geun: The Sense Coach, So Not Worth It directed by Kwon Ik-Joon and Kim Jung-Sik, and reality series Paik's Spirit starring restauranteur Paik Jong-Won.
“All of this shows our commitment to creating Korean content together to overwhelm and entertain the global audience, and to lay the groundwork for the local production and creative industry to grow in tandem,” said Minyoung. Kim added that Netflix will strive harder in helping fans worldwide “discover and enjoy amazing Korean content.” She adds, “Slowly, but with great impact, we will be assured presence in the future, where Korean content is loved by everyone.”
