"Long-Term Investment in K-Content" Netflix Marks 10 Years in Korea, Unveils 34 New Titles

‘Next on Netflix 2026 Korea’ Unveiled on the 21st
Kang Donghan VP: “K-content is the second most-watched globally”
Lineup includes Lee Changdong, Noh Heekyung, Jeon Doyeon, Song Hyekyo, and more

Kang Donghan, Vice President of Netflix Korea Content Division. Provided by Netflix

On the 10th anniversary of Netflix's launch in Korea, the online video service (OTT) announced a vision centered on large-scale, long-term investment and the nurturing of new creators.

Kang Donghan, Vice President of Netflix Korea Content Division, unveiled the 2026 lineup of 34 titles and expressed a commitment to the joint growth of the ecosystem at the "Next on Netflix 2026 Korea" event held at the Conrad Hotel in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of the 21st.

In his keynote speech, Vice President Kang highlighted the remarkable growth of Korean content. He said, "If someone had said ten years ago that Korean dramas would sweep global awards and people around the world would enjoy Korean costumes, it would have sounded like a dream," adding, "All these unimaginable things have become reality."

According to Netflix, Korean-language content is now the second most-watched language content globally after English-language content. To date, a total of 210 Korean titles have entered the global Top 10 list.

He identified long-term investment in Korean content as a core task going forward. Netflix plans to strengthen investment across all areas, including series and variety shows, to maximize content potential. The company also promised to expand opportunities for new creators. Last year, one out of every three Netflix titles was a debut work by a new writer or director.

Netflix will continue to support talent by providing content development programs and training courses to partner companies. Kang emphasized, "Netflix will take on the risks and share the results with all partners, becoming a continuous and reliable collaborator."

However, Netflix did not disclose a step-by-step vision or specific plans. When asked about the scale and plans for investment in Korean content, Kang simply replied, "Over the past ten years, we have increased the number and genres of our titles. Consistent investment will continue."

The variety show division will focus on distinctly Korean elements and universal entertainment value. Director Yoo Kihwan stated, "We will cover universal stories that everyone can enjoy, such as love, competition, and laughter," likening the 2026 variety lineup to a "food court." He emphasized, "We will offer a diverse selection to ensure there is at least one menu (content) that every viewer prefers."

On the 21st, actors Jeon Do-yeon, Nam Joo-hyuk, Son Ye-jin, Park Eun-bin, and chef Ahn Sung-jae attended the "Next on Netflix 2026 Korea" event held at Conrad Hotel in Yeouido, Seoul. Provided by Netflix

Movie still from "Deuljwi". Provided by Netflix.

The variety show lineup will balance sequels to popular intellectual properties (IP) with new projects. Starting with the release of "Single's Inferno 5" on the 20th, the lineup will include Jung Jongyeon's "Mystery Investigation Team 2," "Devil's Plan 3," and the popular series "Black & White Chef 3." Other upcoming releases include Na Youngseok's "Lee Seojin's Dalla Dalla," "Why Do People Even Hike?," "Yoo Jaeseok Camp" starring Yoo Jaeseok, and "Giant Gag Kianjang 2" featuring Kian84.

The series lineup will showcase collaborations between star creators and actors, with romance and mystery thrillers leading the way. On February 13, "Lady Dua" starring Shin Hyesun and Lee Junhyuk will be released, followed by "Monthly Boyfriend" starring Jisoo and Seo Inguk within the first quarter. In the second quarter, "The Boy in the Last Row" starring Choi Minsik, "Wonderfuls" starring Park Eunbin and Cha Eunwoo, the action series "Bloodhounds 2" starring Woo Dohwan and Lee Sangyi, and "True Education" starring Kim Mooyul and Lee Sungmin will be released.

Large-scale historical dramas and chase thrillers will target viewers in the third quarter. Upcoming titles include "Scandal" starring Son Yejin and Ji Changwook, "Donggung" starring Nam Joohyuk, Roh Yoonseo, and Cho Seungwoo, and "Deuljwi" starring Ryu Junyeol and Sol Kyunggu. "Slowly and Intensely," a collaboration between writer Noh Heekyung and Song Hyekyo with Gong Yoo, "Road" (working title) starring Son Sukku and Eita Nagayama, the horror fantasy "Honey Job" starring Lee Jaewook and Go Minshi, and the romantic comedy "Charge Me Up" starring Kim Youngkwang and Chae Soobin are all scheduled for release in the fourth quarter.

The film lineup will feature new works that balance artistic depth with popular appeal. In the first quarter, "Pavane," directed by Lee Jongpil and starring Go Ahsung, Byun Yohan, and Moon Sangmin, will be released. In the second quarter, the comedy-action film "Husbands" (directed by Park Gyutae), starring Jin Seonkyu, Gong Myung, and Kim Jisuk, will be released. In the third quarter, "Cross 2" starring Hwang Jungmin and Yum Jungah will return.

In the fourth quarter, master director Lee Changdong will return after eight years with "Possible Love." Starring Jeon Doyeon, Sol Kyunggu, Zo In-sung, and Jo Yeojeong, the film intricately follows the cracks that emerge as the worlds of two couples living vastly different lives become intertwined.