80% of Netflix members have watched K-content ... CEO Sarandos: “We’ll continue working alongside Korea”

[Financial News] Netflix has found that eight out of every 10 members worldwide watched Korean content during the 10 years since it entered Korea. Ted Sarandos, Netflix co-CEO, visited Korea to mark the 10th anniversary of Netflix’s entry into the country, look back on the global success of K-content, and express his commitment to continuing cooperation with Korean creators.
Netflix announced its content achievements over the past decade, saying it partnered with at least 80 local production companies from 2016 through last year to produce or co-produce at least 200 Korean titles. Four of Netflix’s 10 most-watched non-English series of all time are Korean productions.
Netflix has also focused on discovering emerging creators. From 2021 through last year, it provided training opportunities to at least 6,500 people through programs to develop the skills of local production professionals. At least a third of the Korean original content released over the past three years has involved emerging directors or writers. Notable examples include Choo Song-yeon, writer of this year’s The Art of Sarah, and Park Yoon-seo, director of If Wishes Could Kill.
Interest in Korean cultural heritage has also grown. Following the release of Netflix’s animated film KPop Demon Hunters, the National Museum of Korea welcomed 6.5 million visitors last year, its highest annual total ever. The number of international visitors also reached about 230,000, topping 200,000 for the first time. Sales for the museum merchandise brand Muds rose to about 41.3 billion won, roughly double the previous year’s level. About 90,000 Magpie and Tiger badges, which inspired characters in KPop Demon Hunters, were sold.
During his visit to Korea, Sarandos visited the National Museum of Korea on the 23rd to view Korean cultural heritage. He saw the Irworobongdo, which appeared in the background of the scene in KPop Demon Hunters where HUNTR/X sings “Golden,” as well as A Room of Quiet Contemplation and moon jars.
Meetings with Korean creators also continued. Sarandos met Lee Chang-dong, director of the film Possible Love, and Hong Jong-chan, director of the series Teach You a Lesson, congratulated them on their works’ achievements, and expressed his desire to collaborate with them in the future.
Sarandos said, “Stories that began in Korea are being embraced across borders and language barriers,” adding, “We will continue working with Korean creators to bring great stories to fans around the world.”
[email protected] Choi Hye-rim Reporter