Netflix Sees Surge in Korean Content, Positioned as Third Most Prevalent Language

Hwang Sujin Reporter

hwang075609@gmail.com | 2025-03-03 12:58:59

Seoul, South Korea - Korean language content on Netflix has experienced a significant surge, now holding the third-largest share among all languages, trailing only English and Spanish, according to data from content demand analytics firm Parrot Analytics.

The proportion of Korean content on the global streaming platform has risen dramatically from 2% in 2020 to 6.8% in 2024. This growth places Korean ahead of Japanese, which currently accounts for 5.1% of Netflix's content library.

Projected Growth and Investment

If this trajectory continues, Korean content is projected to comprise approximately 29.5% of all Netflix offerings by 2030. Furthermore, an analysis by K-Entertech Hub, a media research institute, indicates that Korean content is expected to represent 6.48% of Netflix's global content budget for 2024.

This figure is derived from Variety's estimate of Netflix's 2024 global content budget, which is approximately $9.65 billion USD. Netflix has also announced a $2.5 billion USD investment in Korean content from 2023 to 2026, translating to roughly $625 million USD annually.

Based on these figures, the 6.48% allocation to Korean content in 2024 is projected to increase to around 15% by 2030, reflecting Netflix's growing commitment to Korean productions.

Global Impact of Korean Content

The rise of Korean content on Netflix underscores the increasing global popularity of South Korean entertainment, often referred to as the "Korean Wave." This trend encompasses various forms of media, including dramas, films, and music.

The data suggests that Netflix recognizes the value of Korean content in attracting and retaining subscribers worldwide. The company's continued investment in Korean productions is expected to further solidify its position in the global streaming market.

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