South Korean content has emerged as the most-watched source on Netflix globally, clocking in an impressive 12.1 billion hours of viewing from April 2025 to March 2026. This significant milestone places South Korea ahead of all other countries outside the United States, as revealed in a recent analysis by Omdia and Digital i.
South korean: Remarkable Global Reach and Popularity
The findings underscore South Korea’s escalating influence within the global entertainment landscape, showcasing its films and television series gaining substantial traction among international audiences. The report highlights that South Korean content attracted 44 per cent more viewing hours than Japanese productions during the same timeframe.
Comparative Success in the Streaming Market
Furthermore, the analysis illustrates that Korean content generated nearly double the viewing hours compared to that from the United Kingdom, emphasising the extent of South Korea’s dominance on Netflix, the world’s largest streaming platform. Major hits like Squid Game, The Great Flood, and When Life Gives You Tangerines have been pivotal in these viewing figures, enabling South Korea to outshine significant competitors such as Japan, the United Kingdom, and Spain.
Insights from Industry Experts
“South Korea has established itself as the leading source of globally successful content outside the United States,” stated Maria Rua Aguete, Head of Media and Entertainment at Omdia. She further noted that generating 12.1 billion hours of Netflix viewing in a single year demonstrates the scale of international demand for Korean productions and highlights its growing importance within the global content industry.
The Changing Dynamics of Global Entertainment
The report indicates a broader transformation in the entertainment sector, where audiences are increasingly open to stories irrespective of language, culture, or geography. Rua Aguete remarked, “The streaming era has changed the rules of global entertainment. Great stories can now travel instantly across borders, and South Korea has been one of the most successful examples of how strong storytelling, production quality, and distribution can combine to build global audiences.”
Strategic Value of South Korea’s Content Ecosystem
Rua Aguete also highlighted the strategic advantages of South Korea’s content ecosystem, which comprises top-tier creators, robust intellectual property portfolios, innovative production techniques, and expanding international distribution networks. “What began with a small number of breakout global hits such as Squid Game has evolved into a sustainable content ecosystem capable of delivering international success across multiple genres,” she explained. “That consistency is helping Korea strengthen its position in the global streaming market.”
South Korea’s Position Within Netflix
The analysis confirms that South Korean content ranks second only to that from the United States among all content origins on Netflix. This achievement is attributed to sustained audience demand across various genres and international markets. The viewing estimates were compiled by Digital i, utilising data from 17 different markets, including the United States, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Australia, Japan, South Korea, the Nordic countries, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Poland.
A Sustainable Future for Korean Productions
The findings suggest that South Korea’s entertainment industry has transcended isolated global successes, evolving into a consistent exporter of content capable of captivating audiences on a large scale. This trajectory is indicative of a new era in entertainment, where quality storytelling and production are crucial in engaging viewers worldwide.
As South Korea continues to innovate and expand its reach, it is clear that its content will remain a vital part of the global entertainment narrative, influencing trends and shaping viewer preferences across diverse demographics.
