Netflix continues to make waves in the international content scene, and its latest update focuses on the Korean market. The streaming giant revealed its plans for the 2024 Korea slate, including the highly anticipated release of director Park Chan-wook’s first project with Netflix, titled “Uprising.” As fans eagerly await this release at the end of the year, Netflix has also announced new seasons for popular shows like “Gyeongseong Creature,” “Hellbound,” and “Sweet Home,” along with the addition of unscripted shows such as “Physical: 100” and “Single’s Inferno.” And let’s not forget the second season of the mega-hit “Squid Game,” which was already announced last week.
Korea has become a top priority for Netflix, as the company committed to investing $2.5 billion in content from the country over four years. This substantial investment solidifies Netflix’s dedication to the Korean market and its desire to tap into the immense talent pool in the region. In response to concerns raised by lawmakers about Netflix’s dominant position, the streaming platform aims to ensure that one in five Netflix Korea titles between 2022 and 2025 come from a first-time writer or director. This push for new talent highlights Netflix’s commitment to nurturing fresh voices in the industry.
To support its focus on emerging talent, Netflix has lined up several upcoming originals with first-time directors. “The Bequeathed,” “Bandland Hunters,” “My Name is Loh Kiwan,” and “The Frog” are just a few of the projects that will showcase the creativity and innovation of these new directors. This strategy not only promotes diversity but also brings fresh perspectives to the screen, captivating audiences with unique storytelling approaches.
Netflix’s slate reveal for Q1 2022 includes the highly anticipated second season of the game show “Physical: 100.” Titled “Underground,” this season promises even more excitement as 100 new contestants battle it out for the top prize. The first season of “Physical: 100” already made history as the first Korean unscripted series to top Netflix’s global top 10 list for non-English series. It achieved remarkable success worldwide, accumulating over 192 million viewing hours in just six weeks.
Another intriguing addition to Netflix’s lineup is “A Killer Paradox,” premiering on February 9. Starring Choi Woo-shik, Son Suk-ku, and Lee Hee-jun, this film explores the story of a college student who accidentally commits his first murder and discovers a supernatural gift within himself. This thrilling tale based on a popular webtoon by Kkomabi promises to captivate audiences with its blend of suspense and supernatural elements.
On March 1, viewers can look forward to “My Name is Loh Kiwan,” starring Song Joong-ki. This series follows the journey of a North Korean defector named Kiwan as he seeks refuge in Belgium. Along the way, he encounters Marie, a Belgian national and former Korean shooting competitor. This emotional and thought-provoking story sheds light on the struggles faced by individuals seeking a better life far away from their home country.
Netflix’s Korean content lineup for the first half of the year offers something for every viewer. From family dramas like “Queen of Tears” to comedy mystery dramas like “Chicken Nugget,” there is a wide variety of genres to explore. Additionally, highly anticipated titles such as “Resident Playbook” and “Parasyte: The Grey” are set to release in the second quarter. “Resident Playbook” is a spin-off series of “Hospital Playlist,” focusing on the lives of medical residents at the Jongno Yulje Medical Center. With talented actors like Go Youn-jung, Shin Si-a, and Kang You-seok leading the cast, audiences are in for a treat.
The second half of the year promises the release of the second season of “Gyeongseong Creature.” Starring Park Seo-jun and Han So-hee, this series takes a leap from its original setting in 1945 to present-day Seoul. It is directed by Chung Dong-yoon, who won the Best TV Drama prize at Korea’s Baeksang Arts Awards in 2020 for “Hot Stove League.”
One of the most exciting collaborations to look forward to is Park Hae-soo’s return to Netflix in “The Great Flood.” This sci-fi disaster film tells the story of a desperate fight to save a child from a flooding apartment after a cataclysmic flood devastates the planet. Alongside Park Hae-soo, Kim Da-mi portrays Anna, an artificial intelligence researcher struggling to survive the aftermath of the disaster. With an intriguing concept and a talented cast, “The Great Flood” is set to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
Don Kang, VP of Korean Content at Netflix, expressed his excitement about the diverse lineup of titles for the year, emphasizing its ability to capture the true essence of Korean storytellers. With its commitment to showcasing new talent, supporting emerging directors and writers, and delivering compelling stories across various genres, Netflix continues to demonstrate its dedication to Korean content. Audiences around the world eagerly await the release of these exciting projects, eager to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Korean storytelling.