Leading Korean content creators are calling for a shift toward global storytelling approaches as the key to breaking through an increasingly competitive international entertainment market. At the BroadCast WorldWide 2025 event, industry veterans shared their insights on how Korean productions can maintain their edge while appealing to worldwide audiences.

Kang Yun-sung, director at For Entertainment and the creative force behind Disney's "Big Bet" and "Low Life," as well as the blockbuster crime film "The Outlaws," emphasized the importance of cultural fusion in modern storytelling. "I think the era we're living in now is an era of cultural crossover," Kang said during a panel discussion titled "Immerse in Korean Narratives: An Inspiring Story of Two K-Drama Icons to the World." The four-day BCWW showcase kicked off at Coex in Gangnam, southern Seoul, on Tuesday.

Kang pointed out that creators worldwide, including those in Hollywood, are facing creative challenges as traditional themes from robots to space exploration have been thoroughly explored. "That's why I try to incorporate a mix of Eastern and Western elements, as well as different colors, into my work. I also try to emphasize cultural exchange and that naturally gets reflected a lot in my creations," he explained. When developing "Big Bet," Kang deliberately avoided using foreign characters as mere background figures, instead developing villains and supporting characters with depth and complexity to create a truly multicultural narrative.

Kim Eun-hee, the acclaimed screenwriter known as the "Godmother of K-drama" and creator of global hits including "Kingdom," "Signal," and "Revenant," offered her perspective on what makes Korean content universally appealing. "I think people are all the same," Kim said. "For example, in the case of 'Kingdom,' I think the reason it drew so much attention is because hunger and the basic needs of food, clothing and shelter exist in every society and every country. Fear of ghosts is also something universally shared. Since human life is essentially the same everywhere, I thought a lot about how to create a story that many people could relate to."

Both creators addressed how Korea can expand its soft power influence through strategic storytelling approaches. Kang believes in tackling global themes while maintaining Korean identity at the core. "I think it's good to tackle global themes and stories that can blend not just Korean elements, but things from other parts of the world as well. Of course, at the center of the story, I want a Korean person to be the focal point, because that's what gives the work a clear sense of purpose," he stated.

Kang also acknowledged the changing nature of Korean content production in today's globalized entertainment landscape. "Honestly, today, capital and influences are so mixed that I don't think there's anything that can be called a purely Korean work anymore," he added. "So I hope that more stories with broader themes are created in Korea, because I believe that's how we can make works that resonate on a global scale."

Kim highlighted the critical need for supporting emerging talent in the industry. "From a writer's perspective, I hope there is more support for rookie writers. The reason is that the harder it gets to make dramas or films these days, the fewer opportunities there are for newcomers," she explained. The veteran writer emphasized that nurturing new voices is essential for the continued evolution and success of Korean entertainment.

Looking toward future projects, Kim revealed she is currently experimenting with cutting-edge themes that reflect contemporary technological concerns. She disclosed that she is developing a new project centered around artificial intelligence as its main theme. "The work is currently at an experimental level," Kim said, though she did not provide additional details about the ambitious new venture.