Netflix Celebrates Decade of Korean Content Dominance

Netflix recently celebrated ten years of operation in Korea with a major fan festival, "Netflix Janchi," held in Seoul from October 24-25, 2026. Co-CEO Ted Sarandos addressed the significant global impact of Korean storytelling, noting that Korean content now occupies a central position in global culture.

The event featured stars from popular productions such as "Squid Game," "KPop Demon Hunters," and "D.P.," alongside previews of upcoming titles like "Tantara" and "All of Us Are Dead" Season 2. Netflix's journey in Korea began on January 6, 2016, with "Okja" being its first international film, followed by its first Korean original, a stand-up special in March 2018, and the series "Kingdom" in January 2019.

Korean content has achieved remarkable success on the platform, with "Squid Game" holding the record for the longest run on the Global Top 10. Over 200 Korean titles have appeared on the chart, and more than four in five global subscribers have sampled at least one Korean title. Netflix plans to continue its investment, with a significant portion of Korean titles between 2024 and 2026 being helmed by first-time directors or writers.

Netflix's economic impact in Korea is substantial, having partnered with over 80 production companies and employed tens of thousands of individuals. The streamer's skills and training programs have reached over 6,500 people, fostering growth within the industry. Furthermore, K-content's popularity has driven tourism and interest in Korean culture, with a notable increase in visitors to filming locations and rising interest in the Korean language.