Drama and Action Reign in Film and TV series, While Fantasy and Adventure Captivate Audiences in Webtoons and Webnovels

Blintn has released the Q1 2024 Content Trend Report covering key insights from 10 countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, South Korea, Japan, China (Mainland and Taiwan), India, the UAE, and Brazil.

The data gathered from its content database search insight reveals that: Audiences consumed more adventure and action genres in films, with Hollywood blockbusters leading the box office globally. Drama remains the top TV series genre in Q1 2024, accompanied by a surge in crime and thriller subgenres, meeting the demand for engaging storytelling. Fantasy and romance dominate webtoons and web novels, led by Korean and Chinese productions, offering emotionally driven narratives. Indian content highlights indigenous narratives with universal appeal, while a blend of local and global trends emerges in various countries. Rebirth-themed web novels and LGBTQ+ romances are gaining popularity in Brazil and Vietnam.

<img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/zzwcZ-p42vskRpC0qyqrHHWByQSvTOpOdrFXK0QhKPQbxzznKcIijMmSyNzv9ZMT5_whRQyyxrvxa30LCNzMq-gRp1VEgWD_ds_p3kepCIf02jZq-tM8BD6T6WaSH4KQCKw4ofCFTD-MTW6DcY6qf_4" style="height:257px; width:457px" />

(Source: Blintn Q1 2024 Content Trend Report)

&nbsp;

<img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/W3IrwcRyDJhk1CeautBoaKzMroxqis9Xh9mZCS2Q8Gap2ohH7M901okLPt_xq938A1jsBs4TOffIDkdmZp6n2XmVYS5BcGoBNvUFPqsgx62fkfw20hV-J7qlrXrwfutIqRyBJM3b164TXtn8JI2AZz4" style="height:259px; width:459px" />

(Source: Blintn Q1 2024 Content Trend Report)

&nbsp;

Film: Adventure and Action Genre Supreme

The film industry continued the consumption of adventure and action genres with the audience&#39;s preference for thrillers. Despite a rise in diverse content consumption, action, and adventure remained dominant. The Korean domestic film industry faced challenges. The poor performance of the Korean domestic film industry is continuing from 2023 Q4. The success of &#39;Exhuma&#39; shows hope in Korean thriller movies. But, other Korean movies did not get good results, highlighting the need for innovation. Hollywood blockbusters led the box office, with Indian films, Vietnamese historical films, and Japanese anime gaining traction domestically. Dark themes and suspenseful narratives resonated with audiences, indicating a desire for emotionally stimulating storytelling.

&nbsp;

TV Series: Drama Takes Center Stage

In Q1 2024, drama remains the top genre in TV series, with a rise in crime and thriller subgenres. For Korea, while no standout hits like &quot;Squid Game&quot; emerged, revenge-themed series gained traction alongside Korean historical dramas. Despite foreign content influx, local content still performs strongly in their country. Diverse themes surged, focusing on darker tones and suspenseful storytelling. Romantic and historical fantasy dramas ranked highest, showcasing a demand for emotionally resonant, multifaceted storytelling.

 
&nbsp;

Webtoon/Webnovel: Fantasy and Romance Dominate

Fantasy and romance genres dominate webtoons and web novels. Korean and Chinese productions lead, blending indigenous and international tales. Action remains popular in webtoons, while urban fantasy surges in webnovels. Emotionally-driven narratives transport readers to fantastical worlds or evoke romantic entanglements. Indian content showcases indigenous narratives with global themes. Rebirth-themed web novels and LGBTQ+ romances, cater better to the taste of audiences in Brazil and Vietnam.

In short, drama and action ranked as the most consumed genre in Q1 2024, both in the regime of Film and TV Series. Fantasy and adventure are preferred for the Webtoon and Webnovel.

&nbsp;

Q1 2024 Content Trend Report (Blintn Exclusive)

3 Body Problem

Parasyte: The Grey

8x2 Beyond Youthful Days

Cross-border storytelling is booming, with intellectual properties (IPs) from various countries captivating audiences worldwide. This trend is fueled by successful adaptations like the Netflix series &quot;The Three-Body Problem,&quot; and the South Korean series &quot;Parasyte: The Grey.&quot;, as well as the Taiwan-Japan co-produced film &quot;18x2 Beyond Youthful Days.&quot;

&nbsp;

The Three-Body Problem: A Sci-Fi Epic Goes Global

Liu Cixin&#39;s (<a href="https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%88%98%E6%85%88%E6%AC%A3" style="text-decoration:none">刘慈欣</a>) Chinese science fiction novel, &quot;The Three-Body Problem,&quot; (三体) has captivated readers worldwide. Originally published in 2006, the novel won a Hugo Award in 2015 and has been translated into 25 languages. Its success led to adaptations, including a Chinese animated series in 2022 and a Chinese TV series in 2023.

In 2020, Netflix announced an English-language adaptation. This ambitious project, co-developed with Chinese partners, boasts renowned screenwriters David Benioff and D.B. Weiss (&quot;Game of Thrones&quot;) and features the original author and English translator as consultants.

Despite some criticism in China regarding changes made for Western-centric audiences, the Netflix series remains the most-watched and the top 1 TV show on Netflix in the world for a second week in a row this week. While a second season is not yet confirmed, the show&#39;s immense popularity indicates a strong future.

&nbsp;

<img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/ZRpNOWubEAlTxqTaSE9bnMUO2n7WUbLbLI8966c7c207-rN4WpOuPPHXd1vemfta3pmU83rLI5pYd9dZ4_0DqNx8RzZR8rPq9P5XZkVX5vUr0FJ7EdXYnQhqkbmH3HlflZtcxo3MMqL8iFUEDQma6Mg" style="height:396px; width:486px" />

Source: Abema

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Parasyte: The Grey: A Korean Take on a Japanese Classic

Released in April 2024, Netflix&#39;s South Korean series &quot;Parasyte: The Grey&quot; (기생수: 더 그레이) quickly topped global charts for non-English TV shows. Based on the renowned Japanese sci-fi horror manga &quot;Parasyte&quot;(寄生獣) by Hitoshi Iwaaki, the series puts a fresh spin on the source material.

Directed by Yeon Sang-ho, known for his acclaimed live-action adaptations, &quot;Parasyte: The Grey&quot; successfully incorporates Korean cultural elements while retaining the original&#39;s core themes. This approach has been praised by viewers, creating a unique and engaging experience.

&nbsp;

<img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/zgRlDy9lRetX-UWyEavfJSrUDaXc211s-qYgNTmCRI58sAAjmk4mY57dWbOV09xOBizQmfs9ReQ8JEOhNGe0pBTH-tfnBmEtOSWC27XGmVK5SYBWn04Por2slISn5wauVMS21S22WihR4xJpBSHpJfA" style="height:204px; width:139px" />

Source: Netflix

&nbsp;

18x2 Beyond Youthful Days: A Journey from Blog to Blockbuster

&quot;18x2 Beyond Youthful Days&quot; began as a travelogue, &quot;Youth. 18 x 2: Japanese Slow Train Wanderings,&quot;(青春18&times;2：日本慢車流浪記) written by Jimmy Lan Hu in 2014. After serialization on a Taiwanese backpacker forum, Taiwanese producer Roger Huang (黃江豐) acquired the copyrights intending to adapt it into a film. However, the initial attempts by several Taiwanese directors and screenwriters all fell short. Fortunately, a chance encounter with Japanese director Fujii Michito, attending the Kaohsiung Film Festival with his film &quot;The Journalist&quot; (2019), led to a successful collaboration with Japanese investors.

Released in March 2024, &quot;18x2 Beyond Youthful Days&quot; has garnered box office success in Taiwan and is set for release in Japan and Southeast Asia. The film&#39;s popularity has spurred further adaptations, including a novel by Jimmy Lan Hu and a series of short comics by local Taiwanese artists. Also, the film collaborated with a Taiwanese indie game studio to use its OPUS series game IPs and the game development footage in the film. This multi-format approach and collaborations demonstrate the IP&#39;s rich potential.

<img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/g8EXznKYvyN9QLu_qscnMugOaQwXgS922WI6mLDgcUbEd5KNfWqew3H5JOXlYT_LzYV-hOforLkuNraqcYwmP3Y4v5w_ZBnl4fwC8A3L4HgbrPl-ufRBUJfjV5htzUOOari77I-wsoUlfSX5i_92Ssg" style="height:220px; width:602px" />

Source: Cinemaonline

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Power of Cross-Border Storytelling

These three cases highlight the win-win situation between powerful IPs and their adaptations. Global adaptations not only expand the reach of the original IPs but also inspire new creative endeavors. From novels to films, comics to games, the possibilities are endless. As cross-border storytelling continues to flourish, audiences worldwide can expect a wave of exciting and diverse entertainment experiences.

&nbsp;

References:

<a href="https://funscreen.tfai.org.tw/article/38643" style="text-decoration:none">https://funscreen.tfai.org.tw/article/38643</a>

<a href="https://cxc.today/zh/store/gaeaoriginal/book/22368" style="text-decoration:none">https://cxc.today/zh/store/gaeaoriginal/book/22368</a>

<a href="https://www.cw.com.tw/article/5129820?template=fashion" style="text-decoration:none">https://www.cw.com.tw/article/5129820?template=fashion</a>

<a href="https://www.thewrap.com/3-body-problem-ratings-netflix-tv-most-watched-list/" style="text-decoration:none">https://www.thewrap.com/3-body-problem-ratings-netflix-tv-most-watched-list/</a>

<a href="https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/luminate-streaming-ratings-3-testament-moses-3-body-problem-1235961959/" style="text-decoration:none">https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/luminate-streaming-ratings-3-testament-moses-3-body-problem-1235961959/</a>

<a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/3-body-problem-season-2-release-date-on-netflix-what-we-know-so-far/articleshow/109205138.cms?from=mdr" style="text-decoration:none">https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/3-body-problem-season-2-release-date-on-netflix-what-we-know-so-far/articleshow/109205138.cms?from=mdr</a>

<a href="https://www.chosun.com/english/kpop-culture-en/2024/04/11/2J6LCVL72VEXZD5IZWM3DI56TI/" style="text-decoration:none">https://www.chosun.com/english/kpop-culture-en/2024/04/11/2J6LCVL72VEXZD5IZWM3DI56TI/</a>

 
&nbsp;

World's Creativity: The Journey of Intellectual Properties

Extraordinary Attorney Woo

All of Us Are Dead

Hidden Love

Douluo Continent

Spy x Family Code: White

The webcomic industry across East Asia has emerged as an unstoppable force and is still expected to grow, capitalizing on the surge in digital content consumption during the pandemic. This subculture has transformed into a multibillion-dollar power, captivating global audiences and reshaping the entertainment landscape.

&nbsp;

<img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/_F3C2vpL5oBQ_zEj4-uarKlh1Bzfzq6Ro0HDf80WS4rSbN036FbXuY2p7QXWOhsFhC6JdOtM-6BLyZOulDiHX9mAAVCtk9t5XTAXH0R1QqJJPoKXF0ni3N9sSN3kvMLa8-EwFVqW_tDnt4zvdCPPNSo" style="height:297.4979995603429; width:436px" />

Source: Yonhap News Agency

&nbsp;

The Big Three

At the forefront of this phenomenon are big platforms like South Korea&#39;s Naver Webtoon and Kakao Webtoon. Their success in exporting adaptations such as &quot;Extraordinary Attorney Woo&quot; and &quot;All of Us Are Dead&quot; to international audiences has ignited a webcomic frenzy, driving viewers to explore the original webcomic source material. This synergistic connection has pushed the Korean webcomic industry to remarkable heights, with platforms recording a 23% annual revenue growth in 2022, amounting to a staggering 2.6 trillion won (approx. $2 billion). Moreover, the nation&#39;s webcomic exports have witnessed a 31.3% surge, raking in $107.6 million in 2022. Recognizing the industry&#39;s potential, the South Korean government has set its sights on establishing a global webcomic platform that could rival the influence of streaming giants like Netflix. This ambitious initiative underscores the country&#39;s commitment to solidifying its position as a cultural export powerhouse.

&nbsp;

China&#39;s webcomic scene has blossomed from a niche interest into a mainstream cultural phenomenon. With over 200 annual productions and billions of viewers, the industry has transcended its subcultural origins, evolving into a force to be reckoned with on the global stage. Renowned franchises like &ldquo;Douluo Continent&rdquo; and &quot;Blades of the Guardians&quot; have captivated audiences worldwide with their distinctly Chinese narratives, that includes traditional philosophies and martial arts themes. This cultural resonance has not only captured domestic viewers but has also piqued some international curiosity, with streaming platforms such as Netflix exploring the broad variety of East Asian storytelling. An illustrative and recent example is &quot;Hidden Love,&quot; originally a manhua, it was adapted into a youth romance series in 2023.

&nbsp;

In Japan, the webcomic realm has played a pivotal role in boosting the nation&#39;s post-pandemic content resurgence. As COVID-19 restrictions eased, demand for immersive experiences resulted in a remarkable recovery for live events, fan clubs, and leisure activities &ndash; segments that had previously suffered during the pandemic&#39;s peak. Webcomic adaptations like the wildly popular &quot;Spy x Family&quot; and &quot;One Piece&quot; have exemplified the industry&#39;s ability to create cultural sensations by leveraging diverse touchpoints. This multifaceted approach, seamlessly blending symbolic moments with ongoing audience engagement, has boosted consumer spending and solidified webcomics as a driving force within Japan&#39;s content ecosystem. According to a 2023 report, the average Japanese consumers&#39; would spend 68,527 yen (approx. $452,27) on such content, an increase of 7,874 yen compared to the year before and the highest amount since COVID-19.

&nbsp;

The Way Forward: Tapping into the Power of Webcomics

As the webcomic phenomenon continues to gain influence across East Asia, media companies worldwide are recognizing the potential of this dynamic medium. By using comprehensive databases like the one offered by Blintn, businesses can stay ahead of the curve, accessing invaluable insights into the latest webcomic trends, consumer behavior, and market dynamics. In an era where content reigns supreme, the East Asian webcomic industry stands as a great example of the universal appeal of storytelling. With its ability to transcend cultural boundaries and captivate global audiences, this phenomenon is ready to shape the future of entertainment and redefine the ways in which we consume and engage with narratives.

&nbsp;

References

https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2024-03-01/business/industry/Now-a-multibilliondollar-empire-Korean-webtoons-draw-global-fans/1992088

https://36kr.com/p/2312786074987780

https://www.hakuhodo.co.jp/news/newsrelease/105791/

&nbsp;

How East Asian Webcomics Triumphed in the Pandemic Era

Queen of Tears

Wonderful World

Pyramid Game

Exhuma

Recently, high school-based dramas, also known as &quot;high teen dramas&quot;, have been gaining popularity on OTT platforms. These works go beyond traditional themes of teenage romance and bullying, incorporating a variety of genres such as politics, survival, and thrillers to offer new stories.

&nbsp;

Two dramas that have caught the attention of the 1030 generation for meeting their high standards are tvN&#39;s &quot;Queen of Tears&quot; and MBC&#39;s &quot;Wonderful World&quot;. According to Good Data Corporation, &quot;Queen of Tears&quot; ranked first in search responses, followed by &quot;Wonderful World&quot; and the Tving original series &quot;Pyramid Game&quot;. Notably, &quot;Pyramid Game&quot; deals with dismantling systems of discrimination and violence rather than revenge, providing catharsis to viewers through the proactive response of its character Seong Suji.

&nbsp;

<img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/Kds78uJnM2bqKCKY6FrwFJPQRY9uCFSHZadFZDbq1maO4nB_UxR5xHuVk66flek4nVRZsi-mTY9PKQuF0BJoNl0dlbyxqFXif-r0Bx0-IQVvo8HnTeyyrQ9ayAYaM1RP-C9odUeHjfgqOjSVFBAu7zQ" style="height:337px; width:312px" />

Source: Namuwiki

&nbsp;

&quot;Wavve&quot; is set to release &quot;The Gangster Who Became a High Schooler&quot;, featuring a gangster who finds himself in the body of a nineteen-year-old high school student. The drama, starring Yoon Chanyoung and Lee Seojin, tackles issues such as school and domestic violence.

&nbsp;

TVING is preparing a variety of high teen dramas with different concepts, including &quot;Pyramid Game&quot;, &quot;Running Mate&quot;, and &quot;Study Group&quot;. &quot;Pyramid Game&quot; depicts a survival hierarchy war in a girls&#39; high school where outcasts are determined by secret voting, &quot;Running Mate&quot; is a political drama centered around high school student council elections, and &quot;Study Group&quot; focuses on the competitive university entrance exams at the worst school.

&nbsp;

In addition to TV series, the recent Korean occult work &ldquo;Exhuma&rdquo; has also created a new wave of success in Asia. In Vietnam, it achieved the highest opening score ever with sales of $660,000 on its release day, and its first weekend sales surpassed the previous record with $3.02 million. In Indonesia, it attracted 1.8 million viewers, and in Taiwan, it made $28.84 million New Taiwan dollars in just a week.

&nbsp;

<img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/p7gVIclYUWDNo6uqI6IH-H_qyPm8WoadvHqNHDKkYdIq0rUM6o8yRIUxxiGaF68APcbHvMN7awAO46Zw18UlaKaipCwCGp08GdsF86I-muHYe97vsvGDAM6S-ih7E4s5EudZYWg8CysNeEr2Egb6i3k" style="height:396px; width:602px" />

&nbsp;Source: Soompi

&ldquo;Exhuma&rdquo; has been exported to 133 countries and recently released in Mongolia, Vietnam, the USA, Canada, the UK, and Australia, among others. Starring Choi Min-sik, Kim Go-eun, Yu Hae-jin, and Lee Do-hyun, it is an occult mystery film about a geomancer, an undertaker, and a shaman who uncover terrifying secrets while digging up an old grave at the request of a wealthy family. The film has reached 9.38 million viewers in Korea and is expected to surpass 10 million viewers this weekend.

&nbsp;

Reference

<a href="https://sports.donga.com/article/all/20240227/123712777/2" style="text-decoration:none">https://sports.donga.com/article/all/20240227/123712777/2</a>

<a href="https://www.sportsseoul.com/news/read/1408783?ref=naver" style="text-decoration:none">https://www.sportsseoul.com/news/read/1408783?ref=naver</a>

<a href="https://www.harpersbazaar.co.kr/article/1862070" style="text-decoration:none">https://www.harpersbazaar.co.kr/article/1862070</a>

<a href="https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20240319024000005?input=1195m" style="text-decoration:none">https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20240319024000005?input=1195m</a>

&nbsp;

K-Style Survival Thriller and Occult Captivates Audiences

Summer Strike

Bloodhounds

Squid Game

The global Korean wave or &quot;hallyu&quot; phenomenon shows no signs of slowing down, with Europe emerging as the fastest-growing market for Korean content according to a report by the Korea Foundation. Germany, a major media powerhouse, is very much riding this Korean cultural wave.

&nbsp;

K-dramas have been slowly gaining traction with German audiences over the past decade, but 2023 marked a major mainstream breakthrough driven by savvy media companies. Last year, major German broadcaster RTL made a strategic move by acquiring the rights to air two popular K-dramas, &quot;The Doctors&quot; and &quot;Summer Strike&quot; on its RTL Passion channel and RTL+ streaming service. This deal highlights the growing mainstream appeal and market potential of K-dramas in Germany and Western markets.

<img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/i4xuG87k1LjK51jLBVHiMPmXrBJz3hY91wBBM4eiQkRPJKzBeF32FxJgX67KHmAqJo91GLlqFuNYuGYthd9IO7t2Kn1zFDtrru33PWWHJ0gYzf-KQ5S2m9eH4X5sLki_QmbkA7O4dS0SGdXiYQ3Gj3E" style="height:289px; width:434px" />

Source: RTL passion

&nbsp;

Korean Content Gold Rush

Besides linear TV, streaming platforms like Netflix have been driving much of the global K-content boom. The company has recognized the potential behind the K-content market and is regularly releasing new K-dramas, Netflix plans to invest a staggering $2.5 billion into Korean productions from 2022-2025 in recognition of their international popularity. Recent hits like the romances &ldquo;Queen of Tears&rdquo; and &ldquo;Twinkling Watermelon&rdquo;, the thriller &ldquo;Wonderful World&rdquo;, and crime drama &ldquo;Bloodhounds&rdquo; have captured global audiences and generated massive social media buzz. Netflix is now doubling down by greenlighting sequels, spin-offs and similar original content.

&nbsp;

Beyond K-Dramas

While scripted series have been the main K-content draw so far, the hallyu wave brings opportunities across multiple domains. A report released by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism stated that in Western Europe there were 131 Hallyu communities and a total of over 2,650,000 members combined as of last December, an increase of 28 percent compared to the previous year. A more global but corresponding survey showed that webtoons were among the most popular content, with 28.6 percent of respondents saying they consumed Korean webtoons, averaging around 16.1 hours of monthly consumption.

&nbsp;

<img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/8LwtcsqH1uAcJwxnhRkVN_2M6wO_ODtSW1wFbAaSeLN3420C636jmupKR3GL4akczZM8wzIRH3lJ0ClN7zzUiqSnFetFeSjDxB2hw6CUqeHusmdPCI9C13CkW7s1CgsZGomb2gdX3x_FQ3SMiLjPOSc" style="height:295px; width:602px" />

Source: Korea Foundation

Unscripted Korean variety shows and reality competitions featuring are also gaining widespread popularity worldwide, including in Germany. Building on that success, Amazon&#39;s German Prime Video service recently started airing the reality series called &ldquo;The 50&rdquo;, where the candidates compete for a grand prize. It is based on the Korean hit series &ldquo;Squid Game&rdquo;, which caused a global sensation in 2021 and is one of the most streamed shows of all time. Amazon Prime is releasing four new episodes of &quot;The 50&quot; every Monday.

&nbsp;

New Opportunities

Beyond just TV and streaming rights, the Korean culture craze opens up possibilities across multiple media verticals - from music to books, webtoons, and even Korean product marketing integrations. Korean entertainment companies will be seeking international partners for IP licensing, merchandising, concert tours and more.

&nbsp;

To effectively navigate this complex, global Korean content ecosystem, international media players of all sizes need robust data intelligence solutions. A centralized database that seamlessly surfaces detailed information on the latest Korean media trends can unlock new revenue streams. This is where services like Blintn&#39;s B2B content database can provide a strategic edge. The platform seamlessly surfaces detailed information across an unrivaled inventory of Korean films, shows, webtoons and more - complete with viewership data, preferences per region, genre categorizations and social media buzz metrics.

&nbsp;

References

https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2024/03/398_346969.html

https://www.koreana.or.kr/kfNewsletter/mgzinSubViewPage.do?mgzinSubSn=27282

https://www.rtl.de/cms/the-50-wer-ist-raus-wer-ist-noch-dabei-kandidaten-sendetermine-co-im-ueberblick-5080008.html

&nbsp;

Fast Growing Market For Korean Media In Western Europe

Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) said on Thursday it has agreed to buy Paramount Global&#39;s entire 13.01% stake in local entertainment network Viacom 18 Media for about Rs 4,286 crore.

The announcement comes days after RIL, Viacom18 and The Walt Disney Company (Disney) sewed up a deal to form a joint venture. Reliance and Viacom18 will hold 63.16% &mdash; 16.3% by Reliance and 46.82% by Viacom18 &mdash; and the rest by Disney.

&nbsp;

<img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/mAv5magXzdmmGy7_Ymr7NdXEISrq_LnqNHdxm8oSs1DKhz9-3GOqcioBmKxwjj0vBw9HosxydfwZev0-a2wAfa238EVpF7CsHIPWddJU5fMblOH5dk2tkew3KMw1N4vf-R26ShPOXUoYGndptSlPf88" style="height:315px; width:624px" />

Source: MediaBrief

&nbsp;

The effective stake in Reliance will now rise after the deal with Paramount.

In a regulatory filing, RIL said it has signed a binding agreement with two subsidiaries of Paramount Global to acquire a 13.01% equity stake in Viacom 18, held by Paramount.&nbsp;Paramount said it will continue to license its content to Viacom18 after the closing of the deal. It already streams its content through Reliance&#39;s JioCinema.

As part of the Reliance-Disney deal, the media undertaking of Viacom18 would be merged with Star India Pvt Ltd (SIPL) through a court-approved scheme of arrangement. Reliance had also agreed to invest Rs 11,500 crore in the joint venture.

The merger of the Indian operations of Disney with Reliance comes amid the failed amalgamation of Sony and Zee in February that could have created a $10 billion giant.

&nbsp;

Paramount&rsquo;s rumored merger: all the news on the potential deals

As the media industry contends with strings of layoffs, a changing business landscape, and a shift toward more ads in streaming, reports have started to emerge that Paramount is looking to join forces with another company.

So far, rumors suggest that the media giant has entertained deals from Warner Bros. Discovery, Skydance Media, Apollo Global Management, and media mogul Byron Allen. Paramount has even reportedly explored a streaming partnership with Peacock owner Comcast, too.

The company still hasn&rsquo;t confirmed any of these potential deals, but the active rumor mill makes it seem like Paramount is interested in selling off some of its assets &mdash; like Paramount Plus, Pluto TV, and its CBS stations &mdash; or merging with another company completely. The deal may even result in Paramount&#39;s parent company, National Amusements, getting acquired.

 
 
&nbsp;

Reference:

<a href="https://www.business-standard.com/companies/news/reliance-to-buy-paramount-s-entire-13-stake-in-viacom18-for-517-mn-124031400025_1.html" style="text-decoration:none">https://www.business-standard.com/companies/news/reliance-to-buy-paramount-s-entire-13-stake-in-viacom18-for-517-mn-124031400025_1.html</a>

<a href="https://currentaffairs.adda247.com/reliance-to-buy-13-of-paramounts-stake-in-viacom18-for-rs-4286-crore/" style="text-decoration:none">https://currentaffairs.adda247.com/reliance-to-buy-13-of-paramounts-stake-in-viacom18-for-rs-4286-crore/</a>

<a href="https://m.economictimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/media/reliance-to-buy-13-01-of-paramounts-stake-in-viacom18-for-rs-4286-crore/articleshow/108477572.cms" style="text-decoration:none">https://m.economictimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/media/reliance-to-buy-13-01-of-paramounts-stake-in-viacom18-for-rs-4286-crore/articleshow/108477572.cms</a>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Reliance to buy Paramount Global's stake in Viacom18

Winter Sonata

Eye Love You

Mars - zero no kakumei -

In Japan, content with the theme of romance with Korean youth is frequently produced. This trend emerged when Japanese terrestrial TV introduced a drama with a younger Korean man as the main character. Dating with a Korean youth is drastically emerging as a new hot topic of the Korean Wave in Japan.

&nbsp;

According to the Japanese information and communications industry, this phenomenon is consistent with real-life experiences, and the preference for Korean youth is increasing. As Koreans work or study abroad in Japan, interest in Korean is growing and naturally reflected in Japanese local dramas. Moreover, experts explain that this change might come from the Korean Wave that started with the drama Winter Sonata 20 years ago.&nbsp;

 
<img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/awigiINiA3Vq1Dl6sdWX9uZ9orVsCuJliuJAQA28JupfCxCiV_5ayev_QL4Mqcl6jkJUAvURC9PLQGcm3s971SMVYctNAKzyvA9ccKsbL8Fhq0RguoU7NtOul1k5w8l3MHe9fQHIgEJlMkJKAG9T-X4" style="height:368px; width:575px" /> 
(Source: Netflix)

&nbsp;

In addition, while American Hollywood produces K-Story content that deals with Korean contemporary history, Japan is releasing K-Romance content. This strategy is interpreted as an attempt to attract Japanese consumers familiar with the Korean Wave while also expanding overseas sales markets. Lee Young-hoon, head of the Japan Business Center at the Korea Creative Content Agency, said about this change, &quot;In the past, the Korean Wave was consumed by remaking popular dramas in Korea, but now Japan is directly recruiting young Korean actors to target domestic and overseas markets.&quot;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

According to data published by Wavve, Japanese dramas have recently become a hot topic in Korea. Although these dramas have fewer episodes and less running time than works in other countries, they are gaining popularity by recording enormous viewers. Wavve said that the viewing time of Japanese dramas increased significantly, contributing to the overall increase in viewing volume.

 
<img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/WkeBsU6wnIb34ERkTIFvk7dtgUzLW_5r8Puyq8CBwXxhdG2nHpgLbQlwAQOtryhpFZvoq1NVfEyBtWB4z6wtEpU8GexbIPHYlCvctAw5xhvVtCBZf-lU9CPpg-p6l1pjUyiLN2ohKncIJ7eK7XP022I" style="height:328px; width:582px" /> 
(Source: TBS)

&nbsp;

In particular, Eye Love You ranked first in the number of viewers for Wavve&#39;s overseas series for two consecutive weeks and recorded more than twice the number of viewers compared to other works. In this drama, Chae Jong Hyeop played the role of Yoo Tae-oh, a Korean student studying abroad, and captured the attention of Japanese viewers. In addition, Mars: Zero No Kakumei also announced a strong start by rising to 2nd place in the real-time popularity ranking of overseas series and 3rd place based on weekly viewers immediately after its release. This drama deals with school violence and youth and has many fans in Korea. Likewise, many Japanese-produced dramas are gaining tremendous popularity in Japan and Korea, quickly emerging as a new trend.

&nbsp;

Reference

<a href="https://www.hankookilbo.com/News/Read/A2024022613170002070?did=NA%20https://www.mediapen.com/news/view/900240%20http://www.wolyo.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=236413" style="text-decoration:none">https://www.hankookilbo.com/News/Read/A2024022613170002070?did=NA%20https://www.mediapen.com/news/view/900240%20http://www.wolyo.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=236413</a>

<a href="https://www.mediapen.com/news/view/900240" style="text-decoration:none">https://www.mediapen.com/news/view/900240</a>

Japanese-Style Romance Drama’s Popularity in Korea Domestic OTT

The World Between Us

Someday or One Day

A Time Called You

Secret: Untold Melody

You Are the Apple of My Eye

In recent years, the Taiwanese film and drama industry has garnered widespread recognition, particularly capturing the attention and popularity in South Korea and Japan. Original intellectual properties such as &quot;想見你&quot; (Someday or One Day) and &quot;我們與惡的距離&quot; (The World Between Us) have sparked significant interest, giving rise to an increasing trend of South Korean and Japanese adaptations of Taiwanese film and series productions.

In 2023, the Korean version of &quot;Someday Or One Day,&quot; titled &quot;A Time Called You&rdquo;/너의시간속으로/走進你的時間, made its debut on Netflix. Simultaneously, the Taiwanese film &quot;My Missing Valentine&rdquo; underwent a transformation, being remade into the Japanese version, titled &#39;One Second Ahead, One Second Behind.&rsquo;

<img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/NKRqWFWWt9CPuwPs3jrgQhGI22VK6Zki0HeJHRG5qn48Xn4kbIXDFyO9SfAnOfyq7XmJXDOqLm_pZnLXBq8reoIblh8kANwnOlgktp-ULugogt9FgWOJaAv5_vKk5rZwmmgmRjUzxaPV" style="height:301px; width:489px" />

(Source: Netflix)

&quot;The World Between Us,&quot; a Taiwanese TV series launched in 2019, revolves around a random murder case in Taiwan. This gripping narrative was broadcast in Japan and South Korea, igniting substantial discussions. In 2021, South Korea confirmed the production of its own adaptation of the series, though specifics such as the official title and cast for the Korean version remain undisclosed. The original storyline delves into the post-event experiences of the perpetrator, their family, the victims, individuals with mental illnesses, and the media. Audiences eagerly anticipate how the adaptation will navigate these themes within the unique cultural context of Korea.

Moving beyond the remakes of recent popular works, Japanese and Korean production companies have shown interest in Taiwanese works from over 15 years ago. &quot;不能說的秘密&quot; (Secret), originally released in 2008, gained renewed popularity in South Korea in 2015 when it was voted as the number one film audiences most wanted to revisit in Korean theaters. This led to a decision to re-release the film, achieving high box office results. In late 2021, South Korea initiated the process of remaking &quot;Secret,&quot; and in mid-2023, Japan also confirmed plans to create a Japanese version of the film. Additionally, &quot;聽說&quot; (Hear Me), released in 2010, experienced a cinematic revival in South Korea in 2018, further contributing to the ongoing trend of reviving and remaking Taiwanese classics. The three above-mentioned adaptations are all scheduled for release in 2024 with the titles &ldquo;Secret: Untold Melody&rdquo; (말할수없는비밀), &ldquo;Secret&rdquo; (<a href="http://dorama.info/drama-40886.html" style="text-decoration:none">言えない秘密</a>), and &ldquo;Hear Me: Our Summer&rdquo; (청설). Furthermore, &quot;那些年，我們一起追的女孩&quot; (You Are the Apple of My Eye) was adapted into the Japanese version of あの頃、君を追いかけた, released in 2018, continues to draw attention.

<img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/uWZSVScTt4LiNikuQ194mfeigLSZ5zfAUu-hrokbMdcAx_OBGRl6rj7kPWiJGtu4Oca3YIhPncWo_0m8galLQF0IbuSAtA0B121LOyLDH9RAdsg8LOVwpeUJ-xLbyfc0Pt_cjJfhnOIp" style="height:272px; width:380px" />

<img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/F0hAH-qeExcVNqqkT-2rfwNLZcaDR--uniC4_GteS42ugZgsOgzRIAqRUVjljvr8tPO3mWxP1eWW3na8xUX89m3f5xOLbZeF0qP2lftgxdnOP6bphiwuUpx-2p-ZhSJc2_S_iFnOM9dL" style="height:252px; width:379px" />

(Source: Fans&#39; Voice)

In conclusion, the cross-cultural exchange between Taiwanese and East Asian entertainment industries is flourishing, with the remaking trend extending to both recent hits and nostalgic classics. This dynamic cultural exchange not only attests to the quality of original Taiwanese productions but also emphasizes the growing interest in Taiwanese storytelling styles and genres. These narratives often portray youthful romance in school settings or delve into intricate societal and mental health themes. The enduring popularity of Taiwanese works from over 15 years ago also showcases the timeless appeal of Taiwanese storytelling. The ongoing convergence of narratives across borders contributes to the global entertainment landscape, fostering a profound connection among diverse audiences.

&nbsp;

References:&nbsp;

<a href="https://today.line.me/tw/v2/article/MLEaz10" style="text-decoration:none">https://today.line.me/tw/v2/article/MLEaz10</a>

<a href="https://woman.udn.com/woman/story/123164/7408038" style="text-decoration:none">https://woman.udn.com/woman/story/123164/7408038</a>

<a href="https://www.upmedia.mg/news_info.php?Type=5&amp;SerialNo=51181" style="text-decoration:none">https://www.upmedia.mg/news_info.php?Type=5&amp;SerialNo=51181</a>

<a href="https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/korean-remake-taiwan-hear-hit-060400659.html" style="text-decoration:none">https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/korean-remake-taiwan-hear-hit-060400659.html</a>

<a href="https://crossing.cw.com.tw/article/18124" style="text-decoration:none">https://crossing.cw.com.tw/article/18124</a>

<a href="https://today.line.me/tw/v2/article/GgyaYn7" style="text-decoration:none">https://today.line.me/tw/v2/article/GgyaYn7</a>

&nbsp;

From Island Stories to Global Screens:  A Wave of Remakes of Productions from Taiwan

The Reliance-Disney deal could beckon a new wave of competition in the Indian OTT market. Mukesh Ambani-led company Reliance is nearing completion on a deal to buy Disney&#39;s Indian OTT streaming operations. This is a bold move by Reliance Industries in the Digital Entertainment market, as it will acquire a majority position in the Disney Hotstar&rsquo;s Indian streaming services.

2019 saw Murdoch as the seller and Iger as the buyer. Disney acquired the Star India company as part of a $71 billion worldwide acquisition of the entertainment assets owned by 21st Century Fox Inc. Even that particular transaction involved India heavily.

Reliance Tata Deal: Ambani&#39;s RIL may buy 30% Tata Play stake from Disney to strengthen television distribution &amp; JioCinema 
 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/kPVv99-7VeThmwr4-E1O8xzFDuPn_sMh3tHKQXGdkjVfk2w_Lm9eQ-VuxSeCo-mdVpsd-R4PH-Gcixy1svdAqJWYtXw41IHuRx1cUEObdCjYKOeRDygtm3eiG_0XtzLAY6suFUJ7T4zO4RfRDr5Y3II" style="height:168px; width:299px" />

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;(Source: ETNOW)

Reliance Industries is reportedly in talks to acquire a 29.8% stake in Tata Play, a subscription-based satellite TV and video streaming service, from Walt Disney. The potential deal would strengthen Reliance&#39;s presence in India&#39;s television distribution sector and expand the reach of its streaming platform, JioCinema. Tata Play, owned by Tata Sons and Temasek, faces competition from Netflix, Hotstar, JioCinema, and Amazon Prime.

&nbsp;

If the negotiations between Reliance and Tata Play prove successful, it would mark the first collaboration between the Tata group and the Ambanis. Additionally, it would expand the reach of JioCinema, Reliance&#39;s streaming platform, to Tata Play customers. Disney had initially planned to divest its shares during Tata Play&#39;s IPO, but with the postponement of the listing, it began exploring other exit strategies.

&nbsp;

In the current market environment, MSO(Multiple system operating) side is losing market share to DTH, which has got a more premium customer base compared to MSO in terms of ARPUs. So, DTH has a protected base with the premium customer base and that will augur well for JioCinema to tie up and reach out to a larger subscriber base,&quot; he said, adding it will also limit the competitive intensity for Reliance that has bundled offerings.

Bankers are currently assessing the value of Disney&#39;s stake in Tata Play, Business Standard reported citing sources. Despite its significant presence in the market, satellite television broadcaster Tata Play faces challenges from competing streaming platforms like Netflix, Hotstar, JioCinema, and Amazon Prime. In the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023, Tata Play reported a loss of Rs 105 crore on revenue of Rs 4,499 crore, contrasting with the previous year&#39;s profit of Rs 68.60 crore on revenue of Rs 4,741 crore.

&nbsp;

Two Networks Could Dominate the Market

If the merger closes, industry insiders estimate that the Reliance-owned company will become the biggest in the Indian broadcasting sector. At the moment, Reliance&#39;s broadcast division Viacom18 controls 38 TV stations in eight languages, a digital streaming platform (Jio Cinema), and Viacom18 Studios. In contrast, Disney Star owns over 70 TV channels in eight languages, a streaming platform (Disney+ Hotstar), and a film studio.

&nbsp;

Reference 
https://dazeinfo.com/2024/02/15/reliance-tata-play-deal-stake-disney-jiocinema-to-dominate-indias-ott-landscape/ 
https://www.ceoinsightsasia.com/business-inside/reliancedisney-deal-intense-competition-for-the-indian-ott-market-nwid-11338.html

Reliance-Disney Deal: Intense Competition for the Indian OTT Market?

Remaking Taiwanese drama has become one of the trends in the Korean entertainment industry in recent years. One of the examples is the Taiwanese Drama &lsquo;Someday or One Day&rsquo;. Produced in 2018, &lsquo;Someday or One Day&rsquo; has gone viral in Asia due to its fascinating plot and well-developed character-making. Especially in Korea, Following its broadcast on Korean cable television, the drama quickly climbed to the top of Naver&#39;s search results for Taiwanese dramas, including its actors&rsquo; names. Its popularity prompted Korean media giants NPIO Entertainment and Lian Contents to embark on a remake project named &#39;A Time Called You&#39; (너의 시간 속으로), featuring actors Ahn Hyo Seop and Jeon Yeo Been, and be published on Netflix in 2023. According to Netflix&rsquo;s official statistics, the adaptation drama got 1.4 million views within 3 days and 17.6 million viewing hours, ranking No.7 in the global foreign language series TOP10 rank, which can observe how popular this drama is.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<img src="https://d3lvucv1xwu38i.cloudfront.net/static/uploads/2024/02/13/image-20240213175401-2.jpeg" style="height:1513px; width:1000px" /><img src="https://d3lvucv1xwu38i.cloudfront.net/static/uploads/2024/02/13/image-20240213175401-3.png" style="height:1481px; width:1000px" />

Reference: Netflix

&nbsp;

Remake Taiwanese Artwork

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;In fact, &lsquo;Someday or One Day&rsquo; is not the first drama to be remade by South Korean entertainment companies. Jay Chou&#39;s 2007 film &#39;Secret&#39;, which is set to be remade with EXO&#39;s D.O. and actress Kim So Hyun, focuses on the plot of the characters&rsquo; university life. &#39;The Distance Between Us&#39;, surrounding the topic of real society, news media, and laws, is also announced to be remade into Korean drama. Past work includes The drama &quot;Fated to Love You,&quot; acted by Chen Qiao En and Ethan Ruan, &quot;In Time with You,&quot; acted by Ariel Lin and Bolin Chen, and &quot;Queen of No Marriage&quot; which were remade into South Korean dramas with the same titles, &quot;Fated to Love You,&quot; &quot;The Time We Were Not in Love,&quot; and &quot;Witch&#39;s Love.&quot;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Why Taiwanese Artwork?

&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Compared to Korean TV series&rsquo; high production budget and high-quality 特效, casting, Taiwanese production usually has a small budget but emphasizes the story plot grounded in society and reality. Korean audiences who get tired of exaggerated plots and stories can be satisfied by enjoying Taiwanese Drama&rsquo;s purity about love and small fortune that appears in the characters&rsquo; lives, which creates more resonation with the audience&rsquo;s daily lives. Another obvious element that can be found in those Taiwanese remake scripts is the sense of nostalgia through the portrait of campus life. Looking back at Taiwanese dramas that have gained popularity in South Korea, such as &quot;Secret,&quot; &quot;You Are the Apple of My Eye,&quot; &quot;Our Times,&quot; and the recent &quot;Someday or One Day,&quot; they all share a common theme: the setting of &quot;campus.&quot; Campus life is a shared memory for both Taiwanese and Korean people. The unworried feelings presented by actors can recall the pure memory of that period in the audience&rsquo;s life. Sometimes people watch dramas or movies only for leisure. The topic of college romantic dramas with a sense of nostalgia, young memory, and pure romance is especially appropriate. This is one of the reasons why Taiwanese romance dramas are so popular in South Korea.

&nbsp;

Future: Taiwanese Drama Expansion

&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Looking ahead, the spread of Taiwanese drama into the Korean market creates both potential and problems for the Taiwanese entertainment sector. With the smaller media industry funding scale and the worries about drama&rsquo;s popularity, Taiwanese production companies can be seen to be weak for promotion. &nbsp;Recently, Taiwanese productions tried to adapt South Korean drama into Taiwanese versions and include Taiwanese elements. While from the perspective of the internet, can see that people usually do not look forward that much due to the concern of quality and casting. To make Taiwanese dramas or movies as popular as before, the media industry should try to analyze the successful factors of those dramas, find out the specialty of Taiwan, and utilize the online streaming platform to get more captivation audiences worldwide.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Reference:

https://www.hani.co.kr/arti/culture/culture_general/1107021.html

https://news.agentm.tw/189265/

https://meet.eslite.com/tw/tc/article/202112140003

https://www.hapskorea.com/popularity-of-taiwan-tv-show-someday-or-one-day-in-south-korea-creates-a-tourism-boom-in-tainan/

https://www.chinatimes.com/newspapers/20210426000408-260112?chdtv&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Rising Trend of Remaking Taiwanese Artwork in K-Drama: A Look at 'Someday or One Day' and Beyond

Korea-Khitan War

Gyeongseong Creature

Noryang

Recently, dramas based on historical backgrounds in Korea have performed well in the media industry. Representative examples of Korean TV Series include Gyeongseong Creature, Korea-Khitan War, and Knight Flower. As the Korean Wave spreads, dramas illustrating traditional Korean scenes are steadily gaining popularity overseas.

 
<img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/-ErwOrLmqXfEGkAJMKaucAO2IC1LHviYT7N7vofZ4AFQrRi1WbjyW3SkZJ1RKwyLkPmX3XqdpXE56nAQLBKeaPRrKMNNh69EwxfLDGobb3GI0hZgvWCLhtclPHm92saH4so2O44rkTEvRevU0kazwMw" style="height:405px; width:273px" /><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/CA024kQpVrsVKHQFjqQy5Bn1hTP7rKdt58CVALAWHTbJSwi3HUlzYUVTkQJ8K6c-y5aAGQMeKAP6wcqm27ph98KzsGgK3th3rHMwPFpvV4gCJqgPabwAQpHwxXgp4YI-Wo8zmMi7m8x88GgYD8z46CY" style="height:405px; width:271px" />

(Source: Namuwiki)

&nbsp;

Gyeongseong Creature, recently launched on Netflix, is trending now. Gyeongseong Creature is a historical fantasy genre in which monsters appear in Gyeongseong during the Japanese colonial period in 1945. Gyeongseong Creature also contains content symbolizing the Japanese military sexual slavery issue and content about the lethal human experimentation conducted by Japan&#39;s Unit 731. As a result, many people who were unaware of historical facts became aware of Japan&#39;s atrocities, and the history not covered in Japanese education was well revealed. Moreover, the surprising point is that a drama about Japan&#39;s historical atrocities has consistently maintained a high ranking on Japanese Netflix since Part 1 was released. A historical drama produced domestically in Korea is the Korea-Khitan War. The Korea-Khitan War has been airing since November 11th and can be available on KBS2. Also, it has maintained a high ranking on OTT services for over ten weeks and continues to record high TV viewership ratings.

 
 
<img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/-Pf1tYx18IzcLVPOTc_0LYviV2Evq9bClojFgzmygtonPX3yMCQh3d5wSY7StYk080kN4cON-EEp5VTPWFt0nel_GT5Nex8SUwizsGpIthv9CIK2DWeKG5q55P1tcy1W-ulY2-Bz68OpfZsqsEVCA7Q" style="height:385px; width:262px" /><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/Fjflj4UySMndNakfNYZxXSBciylF2MjCcTHZx8jb6OJmpMg-WBoMnPG5xBmtASNZo2HBqV-ghvxttOEDW4udSYE6WqSkz0xesiRsnfmw8yq_Pb9V0GSinGbpEuvOcaWkx6JiJDuqBpQJT5USDl2VQiU" style="height:384px; width:296px" /> 
(Source: Kyobo Books)

&nbsp;

Among movies, films about Korean history, such as 12.12: The Day and Noryang: Deadly Sea, ranked first and second in theaters. The movie 12.12: The Day was released at the end of November 2023 and recorded a cumulative audience of about 13 million. In addition, Noryang: Deadly Sea recorded a cumulative audience of 4.5 million, and films dealing with Korean history continue to be huge box office hits in theaters.

&nbsp;

According to content dealing with Korean history becoming box office hits, readers curious about Korean history are paying great attention to novels. As of the release dates of 12.12: The Day and Noryang: Deadly Sea, respectively, sales of related books surged by 85.3% and 86.6% compared to the previous week. In particular, sales of the book The Sea of Yi Sun-shin, the original for Noryang: Deadly Sea, increased by 160% in the first week of the film&#39;s release compared to the previous week. Also, TV Series dealing with Korean history are influencing the book industry. As the Korea-Khitan War surpassed the 10% viewership rating, sales of the original book soared by 219%.

&nbsp;

Ultimately, K-content has made Korean dynamic history a gripping topic for global viewers. When the movie Parasite induced a global trend, director Park Chan-wook said, &quot;Try living in Dynamic Korea&quot; to the worldwide film industry. This statement means that unique and dynamic Korean history brings endless inspiration to creative directors, and it functions to recreate this historical content with a powerful narrative experience. Consequently, this positive trend of content dealing with Korean history will play a significant role in future K-content trends

Reference

<ol>
	<li style="list-style-type:decimal"><a href="http://news.heraldcorp.com/view.php?ud=20240105000078" style="text-decoration:none">http://news.heraldcorp.com/view.php?ud=20240105000078</a></li>
	<li style="list-style-type:decimal"><a href="https://www.slist.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=519975" style="text-decoration:none">https://www.slist.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=519975</a></li>
	<li style="list-style-type:decimal"><a href="https://www.sisain.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=51942" style="text-decoration:none">https://www.sisain.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=51942</a></li>
</ol>

Dramas With Korean Historical Backgrounds Are Trending

Moving

Korean webtoon and web novel platform companies, notably Naver Webtoon and Kakao&#39;s Story division, have experienced substantial growth, marked by Naver Webtoon&#39;s Q3 2023 sales surging by 41% to 379.8 billion won(Approx USD 284M), and Kakao&#39;s Story division reporting an 8% increase to 249.1 billion won(Approx USD 249M) during the same period.

&nbsp;

A key driver of this success is the rising popularity of video content adapted from well-known webtoon and web novel IPs. With global OTT platforms, such as Netflix and Disney+, taking the lead, diverse webtoons are being transformed into captivating videos. Naver Webtoon alone has over 30 IP-based video releases planned for the year, including adaptations of popular works like &#39;Money Game&#39; and &#39;Pie Game&#39; under the title &#39;The Eight Show&#39; on Netflix. Kakao Entertainment has also made strides with video content, with &#39;Moving&#39; on Disney+ gaining significant popularity.

&nbsp;

The surge in IP-based video content popularity has translated into a remarkable increase in revenue through paid subscriptions. Naver Webtoon reports that transactions for 53 adapted webtoons and web novels increased an average of 439 times from June 2019 to June of last year. Similarly, Kakao Webtoon experienced a 12-fold increase in daily average sales on Kakao Page and an 8-fold increase on Kakao Webtoon post the broadcast of &#39;Moving.&#39;

&nbsp;

The strategic global expansion plans of platform companies have further contributed to their excellent performance. Naver&#39;s &#39;Global 3.0&#39; strategy, introduced in April of last year, aims to achieve a revenue of 15 trillion won and 1 billion global users by 2027, with a particular focus on the North American market. Kakao, with its &#39;Beyond Korea&#39; slogan, targets increasing its overseas revenue share from 18% to 30% by 2025. Acquisitions of North American companies, including Tapas Media and Radish Media, have strengthened Kakao&#39;s presence in the region. The recent merger of these entities resulted in the unified platform &#39;Tapas Enter,&#39; which recorded a peak daily transaction volume of 168,000 dollars.

&nbsp;

The strategic emphasis on the North American market is driven by the immense potential it offers, especially when compared to the matured domestic webtoon and web novel market in Korea. According to the &#39;2023 Comics and Webtoon User Survey&#39; by Kocca, the decrease in webtoon user engagement is attributed to increased external activities post-pandemic and a lack of diversity in digital content production.

&nbsp;

<img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/FHR8X0J66zgAx9t6Iuv51ntZkRA92eP-QWj_5n6VM9Ahnq-ZbPASqyErK4mOC40GmZ-bxZ25I-Adu0K9gX9ssPpuPzLE9qtuo4NzSRTNW_WVn_ifUwguxgKkTEM15uPKnMS_sz9CFh8ZuBV1X5RPqn4" style="height:311px; width:604px" />

(Source: Kocca, 2023 Cartoon Industry White Paper)

&nbsp;

In contrast, the global comic market grew by 8.0% in 2022, reaching $16.36 billion, and is projected to reach $20.99 billion by 2027. The U.S. comic app market reached $540 million in 2022, with an average annual growth rate of 27.3% since 2018. Naver Webtoon and Kakao Entertainment&#39;s Tapas lead the U.S. comic app market, solidifying Korean platforms&#39; position in this lucrative market.

&nbsp;

Kim Jun-gu, CEO of Naver Webtoon, views entry into the U.S. market as the beginning of another significant opportunity. Success in the U.S., being the world&#39;s largest content market, not only holds business implications but also allows for the expansion into diverse genres due to the nature of the English language.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

As a result, the trend of Korean webtoon and web novel platform companies entering the North American market is expected to continue. Naver plans to go public in the U.S. this year, while Kakao aims to expand its Korean web novel service, supply an additional 1,000 Korean IPs within the year, and achieve an annual transaction volume of 100 billion won((Approx USD 74M).

 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

References

<a href="https://m.hankookilbo.com/News/Read/A2022122907240000303" style="text-decoration:none">https://m.hankookilbo.com/News/Read/A2022122907240000303</a>

<a href="https://www.sedaily.com/NewsView/2D414I0LE0" style="text-decoration:none">https://www.sedaily.com/NewsView/2D414I0LE0</a>

<a href="https://www.wowtv.co.kr/NewsCenter/News/Read?articleId=A202401080125&amp;t=NNv" style="text-decoration:none">https://www.wowtv.co.kr/NewsCenter/News/Read?articleId=A202401080125&amp;t=NNv</a>

&nbsp;