Online communities are currently buzzing with commentary that Netflix is likely regretting not acquiring the rights to two hit K-Dramas.
With a track record of hosting scores of successful K-Dramas, such as Squid Game, Crash Landing on You, and Queen of Tears, Netflix has been the go-to for top-rated South Korean content.
However, the internet is abuzz that the streaming giant missed its chance with two K-Dramas, Lovely Runner and Twinkling Watermelon, which were scooped up by competitor Rakuten Viki instead.
The sci-fi masterpiece Twinkling Watermelon from the network TvN received critical acclaim for its moving narrative that follows a son who journeys through time to his parents’ youth. Featuring a cast led by Ryeo Un and Choi Hyun Wook, the show was an instant hit.
High school student Eun Gyeol (Ryeo Un) not only navigates life as an average student but also excels as a musician, despite his parents’ hearing impairments. His life takes a turn when he stumbles upon a mysteriously magical musical instrument shop and is whisked away to a place where he meets a group of teenagers, forming a band named Watermelon Sugar. Among them is Ha Yi-Chan (Choi Hyun-Wook), smitten by the ‘Cello Goddess’ of Seowon Arts High School, Choi Se-Kyung (Seol In-A), while the hearing-impaired Yoon Chung-A (Shin Eun-Soo) remains indifferent to those around her.
— AsianWiki
Another beloved show, Lovely Runner (also known as Run Away With Sun-Jae On Piggyback), has captured the hearts of viewers with its captivating plot and endearing actors. Based on the webtoon Tomorrow’s Best by True Beauty scriptwriter Lee Si Eun, this romantic-comedic series starring Byeon Woo Seok and Kim Hye Yoon has become an instant favourite.
Top celebrity Ryu Seon-Jae (Byeon Woo-Seok) appears to have it all but is secretly fatigued by the glitz of showbiz. Superfan Im Sol (Kim Hye-Yoon) adores him, drawing strength from his music after a childhood accident crushed her dreams. When she hears devastating news of Seon-Jae’s untimely demise, she is mysteriously transported 15 years back in time, where she encounters a younger Seon-Jae and endeavors to prevent his foretold future.
— AsianWiki
Despite not securing distribution rights, Netflix has been seen promoting actors Byeon Woo Seok and Kim Hye Yoon through social media posts that showcase clips from their K-Drama performances rights-owned by Netflix.
These nods to the actors fueled the fanbase to criticize Netflix for overlooking Lovely Runner in contrast to Rakuten Viki, which wasted no time in responding. Viki’s clever reply on a post about Byeon Woo Seok evidences their quick snag of the opportunity.
KSKSSKS Viki is wildin’
Doing that on the official Netflix K Content account…I CAN’T#LovelyRunner pic.twitter.com/jzpzE12z0u — Haf (without HOPE
era) (@exquisite_haf) May 11, 2024
Speculation continues to surface on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), pointing to Netflix’s purported wish they had chosen differently.
when netflix can’t post about lovely runner so they be compiling woo seok and hye yoon’s past projects and put positive words on it.
biggest regret in history goes to netflix: pic.twitter.com/GuwMg7AJsh
— leviste ★ (@missleviste) May 26, 2024
Another day, another chance for Netflix to be crying, screaming, throwing up for fumbling that #LovelyRunner bag. https://t.co/OBn3AtqKSl pic.twitter.com/2rnZi9sNQ8
— ❀ 𝚓𝚎𝚜𝚜 ❀ (@herlittledramas) May 26, 2024
netflix head trying to find out why their stupid team didn’t take lovely runner: https://t.co/XTF6AI561q pic.twitter.com/9h9qslymYx
— 𝒃𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒎 (@Starwings45) May 10, 2024
Netflix’s recent post, which conspicuously excluded the popular bands Watermelon Sugar and ECLIPSE from Twinkling Watermelon and Lovely Runner, respectively, due to the missed rights, has sparked a conversation about the streaming service’s supposed continuing regrets.
Netizens couldn’t help but poke fun at Netflix’s situation in the comment sections, suggesting that the social media manager surely wished for the chance to feature the fictional bands from both dramas. It seems this is one oversight Netflix won’t be able to forget anytime soon.
Readers believe Netflix erred by not catching a trending K-Drama and is now seemingly trying to capitalize on its rising popularity instead.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Netflix criticized for not picking up certain K-Dramas?
Netflix is criticized for not securing the rights to certain popular K-Dramas, which led to competitors like Rakuten Viki acquiring them instead. Fans believe Netflix missed an opportunity to capitalize on these shows’ successes.
What are the K-Dramas Netflix missed out on?
Netflix reportedly missed out on the rights to Twinkling Watermelon and Lovely Runner, both of which have received significant attention and viewership.
Where can viewers watch these K-Dramas?
Viewers can watch Twinkling Watermelon and Lovely Runner on Rakuten Viki, which secured the distribution rights instead of Netflix.
Has Netflix responded to the online criticism?
As of the information available, Netflix has not officially responded to the criticism regarding their missed acquisition of the K-Dramas in question.