South Korean drama commissions shrink despite global demand

In its research, Ampere found that the international popularity of South Korean content remains high. The share of viewers outside Korea who say they watch South Korean TV series or films “sometimes” or “very often” rose from 22% in the first quarter of 2020 to 35% in the same period this year – a 13% increase. In tandem, the availability of South Korean content on international streaming services increased by 55% between 2021 and 2024. 

However, commissioning has slowed sharply. Overall, South Korean TV show commissions fell 20% between the first halves of 2023 and 2025. Global streamers reduced commissions by 43%, while local productions cut back by 20%. 

Scripted commissions have been hit the hardest as local commissioners battle rising production costs, the high expectations of a global audience and worldwide inflationary pressures. Scripted commissions dropped 39% between the first half of 2023 and the first half of 2025. 

Netflix is the only international streamer to maintain commissioning volume, Ampere found. The streaming giant, which has enjoyed huge success with the Squid Game franchise, accounts for 88% of South Korea’s global SVOD announcements made in the first half of 2025. However, even this company has reduced its proportion of scripted content as it shifts its focus to cheaper unscripted programming. 

Mariana Enriquez Denton Bustinza, Analyst at Ampere Analysis, says: “Korean content has leapt onto the international stage, reaching worldwide success with both global SVOD Originals and local titles. However, despite continued demand for K-content, TV show commissions from local and global players have declined, with global SVODs changing content strategies from scripted originals to focus on acquisitions, and in Netflix’s case, producing a higher proportion of unscripted titles.  

“Despite struggling with inflated costs, this leaves the export market open for South Korean commissioners, especially now that Netflix is reportedly considering the introduction of caps on actors' fees, which may lead to a more accessible and reinvigorated local production landscape.” 

Adrian Pennington recently investigated how the glossy, candy-coloured design of Squid Game was crafted by show creator Hwang Dong-hyuk and Production Designer Chae Kyoung-sun. Discover more here.