Netflix recently shared its achievements from 2025 and its vision for the future.
On the morning of January 21, the “Next on Netflix 2026 Korea” event was held at the Conrad Seoul in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, to introduce Netflix’s content lineup and strategic direction for 2026.
Netflix VP of Korean Content Kang Dong-han, Senior Director Bae Jong-byeong, Director Kim Tae-won, and Director Yoo Ki-hwan attended, joined by actors Jeon Do-yeon, Nam Joo-hyuk, Son Ye-jin, Park Eun-bin, and Chef Ahn Sung-jae.
Kang Dong-han revealed that over the past five years, 210 Korean titles had entered Netflix’s global top 10. He stated, “This success has allowed Netflix to continue investing boldly in Korean content. As our influence grows, we aim to serve as a continuous partner, fostering and developing a broader creative vision.”
He continued, “Netflix promises to maintain its long-term investment in Korean content. While the number of announced titles may vary slightly each year due to production schedules and cycles, investment will continue. We will diversify and strengthen our investment across original series, films, entertainment, and licensing partnerships.”
He also announced, “We will increase opportunities for new creators. Over the past three years, many series and films have served as debut works for new writers and directors. Additionally, Netflix provides programs for talent development, technology sharing, and training to enhance production techniques. Collaboration with film festivals is also increasing, with diverse initiatives such as offering Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival films on Netflix.”
Bae Jong-byeong, Senior Director for Series, stated that the direction for series is inclusivity, aiming to satisfy every viewer. He explained that the direction for Korean series is “not new,” aiming to deliver stories that embody the identity of “Netflix-style” content for comfortable viewing.
Kim Tae-won, Director for Films, explained the aim is to balance “widely popular enjoyment and the detailed balance of deep cinema.” He noted that families seek comfortable entertainment on Friday nights and weekends, introducing their goal to offer “certain and thrilling joy” with titles like “Husbands” and “Cross2.”
He added, “Many people grow up with dreams inspired by movies. He believes that good movies, which remain in our collective memory, possess an immutable intrinsic value over time. Netflix aspires to showcase films that people will remember and discuss in 20 years.”
Yoo Ki-hwan, Director for Entertainment, compared this year’s Netflix entertainment offerings to a “food court where anyone can choose their desired meal,” stating, “We will focus on Korean-style fun. We aim to tell universal stories of love, competition, and laughter, based on themes beloved by Korean viewers. The hope is that viewers will feel they’ve discovered a favorite menu item in the ‘entertainment food court’ and see Netflix consistently delivering content they love.”
Image source: Netflix
