Southeast Asia Loves Korean Shows, So What’s Next?

Korean shows are very popular in Southeast Asia and some research has shown that they are watched more than Hollywood productions. Four of the top ten Netflix titles in Southeast Asia were Korean in the last three months, on average.

The quality and diversity of the stories are what really stand out. The genres and subjects vary – from opposites-attract romantic comedies like Crash Landing On You and Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha to military dramas such as Descendants of the Sun and D.P.

The Silent Sea (main picture) sees Bae Doo – na and Gong Yoo embark on a perilous mission to the moon, starring Tang Joon-sang, who is half-Malaysian. In addition to top-notch acting and production values, this creative imagination has made hallyu – or the “Korean wave” – a phenomenon not only in Southeast Asia, but around the world.

More surprises and creative stories are coming in the next few months with Hellbound, a mystery thriller starring Han So-hee as you’ve never seen her before and the first Korean series to be invited to screen at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Korean shows, however, that stimulate deeper thought about societal issues are the most rewarding. There are many reasons to look forward to next month’s Squid Game which addresses social and economic inequality, a topic that is on the minds of many people around the world, including Southeast Asia.

In the end, it really doesn’t matter why people love these shows. As a result of Netflix’s $500M investment in Korean content this year, there will be more this year. Whether you’re in Bangkok, Hanoi, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila or Singapore, you’ll still enjoy the best of Korea, whether you’re watching on your mobile device or sitting down in your living room. Sit back, relax, and press “play”.