The Korean-language action drama takes a bite out of Netflix's global audience, solidifying the growing popularity of Korean content on the streaming platform

Netflix

In the most recent display of the continued surge in global popularity of Korean content, Netflix's new Korean-language series, "Bloodhounds," led the pack as the streaming giant's most-watched non-English TV show last week. The data, released in Netflix's viewership chart on Wednesday, underscores the international appeal of Korean dramas.

"Bloodhounds," an action-drama headlined by popular actors Woo Do-hwan and Lee Sang-yi, premiered on June 9 and quickly ascended to the top of Netflix's non-English TV show list. According to the viewership statistics for the week of June 12-18, the series amassed an impressive 8.1 million viewing hours. The eight-episode series pivots around the challenging journey of two promising boxers who find themselves embroiled in the harsh world of private loans and their battle against ruthless loan sharks.

However, the influence of Korean content did not stop with "Bloodhounds." Two other Korean-language series, "King the Land" and "The Good Bad Mother," also secured spots in the top 10 of Netflix's non-English TV show list. "King the Land," a romantic comedy from JTBC featuring the star power of Lee Jun-ho and Lim Yoona, claimed the seventh spot with 1.6 million viewing hours. Meanwhile, "The Good Bad Mother," a compelling drama by JTBC that stars Ra Mi-ran and Lee Do-hyun, rounded off the top 10 with 1.2 million viewing hours.

The triumph of these Korean series on Netflix mirrors the growing global demand for Korean content. This surge in popularity, often referred to as the "Korean Wave" or "Hallyu," has been propelled by the cultural export of K-pop music, Korean films, and television dramas. The widespread global appeal of these Korean series suggests a shift in viewing preferences among international audiences, who seem more open than ever to engaging with foreign language content.

As streaming platforms like Netflix continue to invest in and distribute Korean content, it further cements the position of Korean cinema and television on the international stage. This success serves as an affirmation of the quality and storytelling prowess that Korean shows bring to the global entertainment landscape. The continued rise in viewership of these shows will undoubtedly be something to keep an eye on in the future.

Sayart.net 

Blue YIM, yimyoungseo1010@naver.com