Netflix: the savior of new Korean content or chains around local production companies?
Netflix: the savior of new Korean content or chains around local production companies?
Posted on : Dec.1,2020 17:46 KST Modified on : Dec.1,2020 17:46 KST
Hankyoreh
By Suh Jung-min and Nam Ji-eun, staff reporters
Some see it as a lifesaver that has rescued South Korean film investors and producers from the COVID-19 crisis and spread Korean content around the world. Others see it as the apex predator in the media food chain that relies on heaps of capital to engorge itself on whichever Korean TV series and movies come within its grasp.
Those are two conflicting ways to view Netflix, the worlds largest video streaming service.
On Nov. 20, Netflix announced it would be launching the film Space Sweepers online, without a theater release, an announcement that triggered a mixture of hopes and fears in the domestic film industry. Filmed at a cost of 24 billion won (US$21.67 million), Space Sweepers represents Koreas first sci-fi film set in space.
As the COVID-19 pandemic becomes further protracted, Netflix has grown even more powerful. The service has already announced or is expected to announce exclusive rights to a string of films including Time to Hunt, Call, What Happened to Mr. Cha? and Night in Paradise....
http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_entertainment/972341.html
There is a lot more interesting commentary and analysis of South Korean film, drama and variety marketing in this Hankyoreh report. I had noticed the content provided by smaller carriers of quality S.Korean content appeared to decline with the epidemic.