‘KPop Demon Hunters,’ ‘Squid Game’ Stars Fete Netflix’s Korea Decade as Ted Sarandos Teases ‘Tantara,’ ‘All of Us Are Dead’ Season 2

Netflix commemorated its ten-year milestone in South Korea with a vibrant two-day fan festival, held at Seoul's Sangam Oil Tank Culture Park on October 24 and 25. The event, attracting over 10,000 attendees on site and millions more online, showcased the robust influence of Korean content on the global streaming stage.

Leading the roster of appearances were actors from internationally acclaimed Korean series such as "Squid Game" and "KPop Demon Hunters." Notable figures included Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, and Park Hae-soo from "Squid Game," alongside Ahn Hyo-seop representing "KPop Demon Hunters." The gathering also featured talents from other popular Netflix originals like "D.P.," "Hellbound," "Mask Girl," and "The Devil’s Plan," underscoring the breadth of Korean storytelling embraced by the platform.

Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos used the occasion not only to celebrate past successes but also to introduce forthcoming Korean projects. Highlights in the pipeline include "Tantara," starring Song Hye-kyo, Gong Yoo, and Kim Seol-hyun, set to premiere in December, and the eagerly awaited second season of "All of Us Are Dead." Additionally, the drama "Possible Love," directed by Venice Film Festival award-winner Lee Chang-dong, is scheduled for release in early November, with other titles like "Grand Galaxy Hotel," "She, Wolf," and "Solo Leveling" in varied stages of production.

Since its Korean launch in January 2016, Netflix has progressively deepened its involvement in the local industry. The platform initially debuted with Bong Joon Ho’s international film "Okja," followed by Korean originals such as the stand-up special "Yoo Byung Jae: Too Much Information" and the historical thriller "Kingdom." "Kingdom: Ashin of the North" notably became the first Korean series to reach Netflix’s Global Top 10 in 2021, charting in dozens of countries.

The resonance of Korean content on Netflix is significant; since mid-2021, over 200 Korean titles have featured in the streaming service’s Global Top 10 charts. "Squid Game" stands out with a record-setting 32-week presence, dominating for nine consecutive weeks. Alongside its three seasons, newer titles like "Teach You a Lesson" have solidified Netflix Korea's standing as a powerhouse of non-English language content, with Korean productions accounting for the highest viewership among international offerings.

The platform’s impact extends beyond entertainment, fostering industry growth and talent development. According to Netflix, more than 80 Korean production companies have worked on its projects, employing thousands of actors, crew members, and extras across numerous Korean locales, including Busan, Jeonju, and Jeju. The economic influence is exemplified by productions like "When Life Gives You Tangerines," which engaged thousands of local suppliers and contributed over $60 million to the Korean economy.

Netflix has also invested in nurturing emerging filmmakers and crew. Between 2024 and 2026, over a third of Korean titles involved first-time directors or writers. For instance, Park Yoon-seo transitioned from assistant director on "Kingdom" to helming the YA horror series "If Wishes Could Kill," while Baek Seung-min advanced from lighting assistant to leading lighting on "All of Us Are Dead" Season 2.

Technological advancement has paralleled creative growth, with Netflix introducing cutting-edge HDR color grading techniques to Korean productions, significantly enhancing visual storytelling. The platform’s extensive localization network further ensures accessibility, with over a hundred dubbing partners worldwide facilitating global audience engagement.

Beyond scripted dramas, Netflix’s Korean unscripted formats have achieved international success, including the non-English hit "Physical: 100," which has inspired adaptations in multiple countries. Cultural spillover effects are evident, with increased tourism to Korean filming locations and notable boosts in patronage for restaurants featured in Korean Netflix shows.

The surge in global interest in Korean culture, stimulated in part by Netflix’s content, is reflected in rising enrollment in Korean language programs and examinations internationally. This cultural exchange underscores Korea’s expanding footprint in worldwide entertainment and lifestyle trends.

As Netflix looks forward, its collaboration with Korea represents a vital element of its global strategy, blending local storytelling with international reach. The streaming giant’s decade-long journey in Korea highlights a dynamic partnership that continues to shape the contours of contemporary content consumption.