Seoul, South Korea – The global streaming landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, with South Korean content, or "K-content," gaining immense popularity in Southeast Asia. According to a recent survey conducted by the Korea Communications Commission (KCC), countries like Thailand and Saudi Arabia are showing a strong appetite for Korean OTT platforms.

The survey revealed that the average Thai consumer subscribes to 4.4 OTT platforms, while Saudi Arabian users subscribe to 3.4. Despite the prevalence of local OTT services like Shahid in Saudi Arabia and TrueID in Thailand, K-content remains highly sought-after, with 83.1% of Thai respondents and 70.1% of Saudi respondents expressing interest in Korean OTT platforms.

Key Findings:

Saudi Arabia: The country's young demographic, with nearly 60% of the population under 40, and a 100% internet penetration rate, presents a promising market for OTT services. However, strict regulations and content restrictions, particularly regarding religious and cultural sensitivities, pose challenges for foreign OTT providers.
Thailand: Thai consumers prioritize content quality and translation accuracy when choosing foreign OTT platforms. The country's strong affinity for K-pop and K-dramas contributes to the high demand for Korean content.
Turkey: While Turkey offers production incentives, economic challenges and strict content regulations hinder market entry.
Spain and Portugal: Both countries have strict localization requirements, demanding a significant portion of content to be in the local language and produced within the European Union.
Australia: Although overall OTT penetration is high, K-content consumption remains relatively low compared to local and US content.

Implications for the Korean OTT Industry:

The survey highlights the significant potential for Korean OTT platforms to expand their global footprint. However, to succeed in these markets, Korean companies must:

Tailor content: Adapt content to local cultural norms and religious sensitivities.
Invest in localization: Provide high-quality dubbing and subtitles in local languages.
Comply with regulations: Understand and adhere to the complex regulatory environments of each market.
Leverage partnerships: Collaborate with local distributors and content creators to build stronger market presence.
"This survey provides invaluable insights for Korean OTT companies looking to expand into overseas markets," said Park Dong-ju, director of the Broadcasting Infrastructure Division at the KCC. "By understanding the unique characteristics of each market, Korean companies can develop targeted strategies to capture a larger share of the global streaming market."