KR — ZDNet Korea
Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos: "Korea Is a Key Partner for Netflix's Future"
Software2 min read
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos called South Korea a key partner for the company's future at the 10th anniversary of Netflix's Korean service. He also praised Korean creators, actors, and fans during his short visit to Seoul.
What happened
On the 24th, Netflix held a 10th anniversary event called 'Netflix Party' in Sangam, Seoul. Ted Sarandos said Korea is one of the most valuable partners for the future Netflix wants to build. He said Korean stories now move people all over the world, and that Korean fans loved these stories more than anyone. He also said the next ten years will open doors nobody can imagine yet.
Key numbers
- From 2016 to 2025, Netflix worked with more than 80 Korean production companies to make or co-make over 200 Korean titles.
- About 80% of Netflix members around the world have watched Korean content.
- 4 of Netflix's 10 most-watched non-English series of all time are Korean.
- From 2021 to 2025, Netflix gave training and skills programs to more than 6,500 people in Korea.
- The National Museum of Korea had 6.5 million visitors last year. Foreign visitors passed 200,000 for the first time, reaching about 230,000.
Why Sarandos visited
Sarandos stayed in Korea for one night and two days to meet local creators and see Korean heritage. On the 23rd, he visited the National Museum of Korea with its research director. The museum's Irwol Obongdo screen appeared as the stage background for the song 'Golden' in Netflix's animated film KPop Demon Hunters. He also met directors Lee Chang-dong and Hong Jong-chan to celebrate their work. Lee's 'Possible Love' won the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize at the 83rd Venice Film Festival and was chosen as Korea's entry for the 99th Academy Awards in the international feature category. Hong's 'Chamkyoyuk' became Netflix's fourth Korean non-English show to reach the global top 10 list, and it stayed at No. 1 worldwide for four weeks.
Why it matters
Netflix is showing that Korean stories can now lead global culture, not just follow it. The company is also tying its success to Korean tourism, art, and home-grown talent. For viewers, this means more Korean shows and films may reach them. For Korea, it shows that streaming, film, and museums can help each other grow.
Glossary
- Netflix
- A video streaming company that lets people watch movies and TV shows on demand.
- co-CEO
- One of two chief executives who lead a company together.
- Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize
- The second-highest prize at the Venice International Film Festival, given by the jury.
- KPop Demon Hunters
- A Netflix animated film about a K-pop girl group that fights demons.