[🇺🇸] Korea–Japan Co-Produced Dramas Gain Global Popularity

Joint drama productions between South Korea and Japan are winning praise from viewers worldwide, expanding their presence in the global streaming market. Co-productions released through platforms such as Netflix are captivating audiences far beyond the two countries.

According to Netflix’s official site TUDUM and its “Netflix Top 10,” the Japanese original series Romantic Anonymous, starring Shun Oguri and Han Hyo-joo, ranked sixth globally in the non-English category and first in Japan. Streaming analytics site FlixPatrol also reported that the series placed in the top five on Netflix in markets including Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Brazil, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the Dominican Republic.

The show is seen as an ideal example of cross-border collaboration, going beyond simply featuring a Korean actor in a Japanese drama or selling IP rights. Instead, it showcases a deep creative exchange between Korean and Japanese actors, directors, and production teams, successfully appealing to global OTT viewers.

Netflix is also producing another Japan original series, Soulmate, starring Ok Taec-yeon and Hayato Isomura, as a Korea–Japan collaboration. The story follows Ryu (Isomura), a man who leaves Japan behind and is saved by Yohan (Ok Taec-yeon), a Korean man he meets abroad, leading to a deep emotional bond. The series is written and directed by Japanese novelist and filmmaker Shunki Hashizume, with Korean production company GTist (a subsidiary of Studio Dragon) handling production.

Additionally, the upcoming Netflix Korean original series Road has been confirmed as another joint production.

Industry analysts attribute the rise of Korea–Japan collaborations to the cultural and emotional similarities shared by the two countries.

An OTT industry insider explained, “Korea and Japan share emotional narratives and values as neighboring countries. By combining the strengths of both countries’ actors and production systems, they can create works that resonate with global audiences.” The insider added, “Both countries possess vast IP resources and strong mutual interest in each other’s content, allowing co-productions to bring fresh, unique dramas to life.”

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