Bajaria CCO Confident: "The Biggest Year in History"
A Wealth of Korean Content Including 'Squid Game' Season 3
Netflix, which had a strong start this year with 'Squid Game' Season 2 and 'Severe Trauma Center,' has expressed its ambition to continue the momentum with Korean content. Bella Bajaria, Chief Content Officer (CCO), said at 'Next on Netflix 2025 Korea' held at the Fairmont Ambassador Seoul on the 4th, "Korean content demonstrates influence that transcends language and culture worldwide through diverse, attractive, and immersive storytelling." She added, "Amazing content is prepared for this year as well," and confidently stated, "2025 will be the biggest year in Netflix history."
The main basis cited was the expansion of touchpoints with viewers through quantitatively and qualitatively enriched content. Kang Dong-han, Vice President (VP) of Korean Content, explained, "We have prepared not only original content and domestic broadcaster content but also daily variety shows that can be watched in spare moments during busy daily life," adding, "Through strategic partnerships with various partners, we plan to diversify subscription plans and also diversify the ways viewers consume content through collaborative products, experience zones, and events."
The content lineup, which is the driving force, includes many works that have attracted attention even before production. Netflix's most popular series, 'Squid Game,' will conclude with Season 3 in June. In addition, the first half of the year will see releases such as 'Melomovie' starring Choi Woo-shik and Park Bo-young, 'Poksak Soksassuda' starring IU and Park Bo-gum, director Yeon Sang-ho's 'Apocalypse,' 'Gwangjang' starring So Ji-sub, 'Bad Connection' starring Park Hae-soo and Shin Min-a, 'Weak Hero' Class 2 starring Park Ji-hoon and Ryeo-un, and 'Tangeum' starring Lee Jae-wook and Jo Bo-ah.
In the second half of the year, starting with '84 Square Meters' starring Kang Ha-neul and Yum Hye-ran, the lineup includes 'History of Confession' starring Gong Myung and Shin Eun-soo, 'Praying Mantis' starring Im Si-wan and Park Gyu-young, 'Aema' starring Lee Ha-nee, 'Eunjoong and Sangyeon' starring Kim Go-eun and Park Ji-hyun, 'Trigger' starring Kim Nam-gil and Kim Young-kwang, 'Good News' starring Sol Kyung-gu and Hong Kyung, writer Kim Eun-sook's 'It Will All Come True,' and 'You Killed' starring Jeon So-nee and Lee Yoo-mi. Also unveiling are 'The Great Flood' starring Kim Da-mi and Park Hae-soo, 'Can This Love Be Interpreted?' starring Kim Seon-ho and Go Yoon-jung, 'The Price of Confession' starring Jeon Do-yeon and Kim Go-eun, 'Cashier' starring Lee Junho, 'Physical: Asia,' and 'Black Chef' Season 2.
The lineup also includes sequels to works that have swept prestigious overseas awards or become global hits. These include 'Stranger Things' Season 5, 'Wednesday' Season 2, 'Knives Out: Wake Up Dead Man,' 'Alice in Borderland' Season 3, and 'Black Mirror' Season 7. Anthony and Joe Russo brothers' 'Electric State' and Guillermo del Toro's 'Frankenstein' will also be released within the year.
VP Kang said, "These are works with different charms that reflect viewers' tastes evenly," adding, "With expanded diversity and increased fun, we will bring joy to many viewers."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
