The recent offerings from Netflix, such as the highly-anticipated “Sweet Home” and “Gyeongseong Creature,” generated significant hype with their substantial production budgets but unfortunately did not meet expectations upon release. On the other hand, lower-budget productions like “Mask Girl” and “Bloodhounds” performed better in terms of viewership hours. Despite these outcomes, critiques from the industry have been less than favorable toward all Netflix K-dramas. Producers have noted a disturbing trend where dramas prioritize shock value over storytelling quality. This is evidenced by the gratuitous scenes in “A Killer’s Paradox,” drawing criticism and highlighting a need for more meaningful content creation in Korea.
Freedom of expression has become a mantra in the industry since Netflix’s foray into the Korean market. However, experts call for better collaboration among creators, investors, and production houses to bolster the quality of dramas produced.
Additionally, only a dozen or so original Korean series are launched on Netflix each year, leaving many scripts and projects in limbo. The problem, according to some, is Netflix’s slow response time, creating bottlenecks and frustration among Korean creative teams.
Moreover, there has been an influx of film directors into the drama sphere. While bringing fresh perspectives, their distinct styles and management techniques have posed challenges for the typical drama production processes.
OTT platforms have struggled with adapting the Hollywood drama production model to Korean sensibilities, leading to cultural clashes and systemic issues. Unlike the ensemble writing teams in the US, Korean dramas traditionally rely on sole writers, exacerbating these differences.
The recent underperformance of high-profile series like “Sweet Home 2” and “Gyeongseong Creature” is prompting OTT platforms to review their content investment strategies. Hopes are high that Netflix and others can identify a successful balance between budget and output quality, aiming to replicate the triumphs of shows like “Squid Game.”
Source: Naver
FAQs about K-Dramas on Netflix
Why are some Netflix K-dramas with high production costs not doing well?
Some high-budget K-dramas are criticized for prioritizing provocative content over a robust and engaging narrative. Examples of such incidents are seen with expensive productions like “Sweet Home” and “Gyeongseong Creature,” which did not resonate well with audiences or critics.
How do Netflix’s decision-making processes affect K-drama production?
Netflix’s slow response times regarding production approvals can lead to frustration among creators awaiting decisions, which can potentially delay or hinder the development of new K-dramas.
Is there a difference between the production styles of Korean and Hollywood dramas?
Yes, the Hollywood model often involves a writers’ room with multiple contributors, while Korean dramas traditionally rely on a single writer. This and other cultural differences have created challenges when global OTT platforms try to integrate their methods into the Korean drama industry.
What is Netflix’s next strategy for producing K-dramas?
Netflix is currently reassessing its strategies to establish a balance between the cost and the quality of content. This comes after learning from both successes like “Squid Game” and less successful endeavors.
Conclusion
The current landscape for Korean dramas on Netflix is one filled with both promise and challenges. While there are certainly successful models to follow, such as “Squid Game,” the recent spate of underwhelming performances from high-budget productions shows there is still much to be learned about tailoring content for both domestic and international audiences. The discussion around optimizing investment versus the creative process, and the adaptation to local production methodologies, will continue to be critical for the future success of K-dramas on OTT platforms like Netflix.