Netflix has marked the 10th anniversary of its service launch in Korea, reflecting on a decade in which Korean content evolved from a local offering into a global cultural force.
To commemorate the milestone, Netflix Korea released “10 Fun Facts,” a curated snapshot of K-content’s global achievements, along with a message of gratitude to Korean audiences and creators. The announcement was shared via Netflix’s official newsroom.
Netflix noted that January 6 marked exactly 10 years since the platform expanded its service globally, including Korea, in 2016. Over the past decade, Korean content has firmly established itself as a global trend rather than a niche, local phenomenon.
Netflix first introduced a Korean original variety program in 2018 with Yoo 'Byung Jae: Black Comedy.' Momentum quickly followed. In 2019, 'Kingdom' Season 1 ignited the global “K-zombie” craze, and in 2021, 'Squid Game' Season 1 made history as the first non-English-language series to top Netflix’s all-time viewing charts. Within just five years, more than 210 Korean titles have entered Netflix’s Global Top 10.
The first Korean works to break into the Global Top 10 were 'The 8th Night' and 'Kingdom: Ashin of the North' in July 2021. Netflix’s Global Top 10 rankings began tracking data in June 2021.
Among all Korean titles, 'Squid Game' Season 1 holds the record for the longest stay on the Global Top 10, remaining on the chart for 32 consecutive weeks, including nine weeks at No. 1.
Country-specific records further underscore the worldwide reach of K-content. In Japan, tvN’s 'Crash Landing on You' (2019), starring Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin, remained in the Top 10 for 72 consecutive weeks. In Bolivia, KBS’s 'Boys Over Flowers' (2009), starring Goo Hye Sun and Lee Min Ho, stayed on the chart for 49 weeks, while in Pakistan, tvN’s 'Vincenzo' (2021), led by Song Joong Ki and Jeon Yeo Been, held a spot in the national Top 10 for 45 consecutive weeks.
Netflix also shared data on global user interest. The five Korean titles most frequently added to “My List” or set for notifications by global members were 'Squid Game,' 'The Glory,' tvN’s 'Hospital Playlist', 'Sweet Home', and 'When Life Gives You Tangerines.'
As part of the anniversary, Netflix emphasized the often-unseen contributions of its localization partners. Over the past decade, Netflix and its partners have played a key role in establishing a new global viewing norm—one in which subtitles and dubbing are essential rather than optional—helping Korean stories resonate with audiences worldwide.
A Netflix representative said, “We extend our sincere thanks to the subscribers, Korean creators, and industry professionals who have been with Netflix over the past 10 years. Beyond this milestone, we look forward to continuing to create special moments together with Korean audiences and the Korean creative ecosystem over the next decade and beyond.”
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