Yeosu City Dramatically Transforms Its City Image Through Web Dramas

Spotlight on Regional Branding Infused with History and Emotion

Yeosu City Holds Premiere of Tenth Web Drama 'Shadow'. Photo by Yeosu City

This is an era in which digital content shapes a city's image and transforms the flow of tourism. Yeosu City is one of the first local governments to respond to this trend. The web drama 'Shadow,' released on June 26, is the tenth work planned and produced directly by Yeosu City, and stands at the pinnacle of "emotional regional content" that tells the story of the city's memories and future.

This new release goes beyond a simple tourism promotional video, emerging as a fantasy "human drama" that connects the region's history with the inner lives of the younger generation. Through its symbolic theme, "There is no shadow in darkness; a shadow is born from light," it delivers a message of empathy to young people living in uncertain realities.

In particular, the plot that traverses between the present and the past through a broken grandfather clock delicately highlights the 'Nammyeon Iyapo Incident,' a painful memory in Yeosu's modern history, adding depth to the content.

Since 2015, Yeosu's web drama series has evolved from "regional promotional content" into an "urban cultural branding project." Beginning with 'Sinjikki's Love Story,' and continuing through 'Yoonseul,' 'Hamel,' and 'Witch Shop,' each production weaves together Yeosu's scenery, the emotional lines of its characters, the flow of the times, and the historical significance of its spaces into compelling stories.

The results are demonstrated by a series of awards both domestically and internationally. The works have been recognized for their quality and planning at events such as the Oniros Film Awards in Italy, Seoul Webfest, and LA Webfest. In 2023, Yeosu successfully hosted the nation's first local government-led "International Web Drama Film Festival." The second edition of the International Web Drama Film Festival is scheduled for September, positioning Yeosu at the forefront of the transition from a consumption-oriented tourist destination to a city that produces and exports content.

The web drama 'Shadow' is available to everyone on Yeosu City's official YouTube channel, 'Healing Yeosuya,' and will be officially released on the OTT platform 'D'Live OTT' starting in July.

A city official stated, "This web drama has achieved a high level of completion in terms of cinematography, message, and acting, and it is becoming a channel that showcases not only tourism but also the city's emotions and philosophy." The official added, "We will continue to create content while considering how Yeosu will be remembered by both citizens and travelers."