Ampere’s data has revealed that while global audiences are watching more South Korean content than ever, both international streaming platforms and local commissioners are producing fewer new TV titles in the country.

The international popularity of K-content remains high: The share of viewers outside the country who say they watch South Korean TV series or films ‘sometimes’ or ‘very often’ rose from 22% in Q1 2020 to 35% in Q1 2025 — a 13% increase. Yet commissioning has slowed sharply: Between H1 2023 and H1 2025, global streamers cut South Korean TV commissions by 43% and local productions fall by 20%.

Local commissioners are battling rising production costs and the high expectations of a global audience against the backdrop of worldwide inflationary pressures, meaning they are struggling to meet demand. This has particularly affected Scripted announcements – the most popular titles internationally. These dropped 39% between H1 2023 and H1 2025.

Meanwhile, as other global SVoDs have cut Korean commissions, Netflix has maintained commissioning volume. The streaming giant accounts for 88% of South Korea’s H1 2025 global SVoD announcements, but has reduced its proportion of Scripted content as it shifts its focus to Unscripted. 

However, despite the challenge of inflated costs, this leaves the export market open for South Korean commissioners, especially now that Netflix is reportedly considering the introduction of caps on its actors' fees, which may lead to a more accessible and reinvigorated local production landscape.

Ampere clients can access the full report here.