**Korean Content Becomes Netflix’s Top Global Export After the US**
In a significant development for the global entertainment landscape, South Korean content has emerged as the most-watched source of programming on Netflix outside of the United States. According to a recent analysis by Omdia and Digital i, South Korean productions amassed a staggering 12.1 billion hours of viewing worldwide on the streaming platform between April 2025 and March 2026. This achievement underscores the growing influence of South Korea in the global entertainment industry.
The analysis reveals that South Korean content outperformed Japanese productions by 44 percent during the same period, further solidifying its position as a dominant force in the streaming arena. Additionally, Korean content generated nearly double the viewing hours compared to productions from the United Kingdom, highlighting the remarkable success of South Korean creators on the world’s largest streaming service.
Major hits such as "Squid Game," "The Great Flood," and "When Life Gives You Tangerines" have played pivotal roles in driving these impressive viewing figures. Maria Rua Aguete, Head of Media and Entertainment at Omdia, emphasized South Korea's emergence as the leading source of globally successful content outside the US. "Generating 12.1 billion hours of Netflix viewing in a single year demonstrates the scale of international demand for Korean productions," she stated, noting the growing importance of South Korea within the global content industry.
The report indicates that South Korea's achievements are part of a broader transformation in the entertainment sector, where audiences are increasingly open to narratives that transcend language, culture, and geography. "The streaming era has changed the rules of global entertainment," Aguete remarked. She highlighted how compelling storytelling, high production quality, and effective distribution have allowed South Korean content to resonate with viewers around the world.
Aguete also pointed to the strategic advantages of South Korea's content ecosystem, which includes a combination of talented creators, robust intellectual property portfolios, innovative production techniques, and expanding international distribution networks. "What began with a small number of breakout global hits such as 'Squid Game' has evolved into a sustainable content ecosystem capable of delivering international success across multiple genres," she noted. This consistency is contributing to South Korea's strengthened position in the global streaming market.
The analysis further confirmed that South Korean content ranks second only to US content in terms of viewership on Netflix, establishing the nation as the leading source of content outside the US. This status has been achieved through sustained audience demand across various genres and international markets.
The viewing estimates compiled by Digital i were based on data from 17 markets, including the United States, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Australia, Japan, South Korea, the Nordic countries, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Poland. The findings suggest that South Korea's entertainment industry has transitioned from isolated global successes to a consistent exporter of content that captivates audiences on a large scale.
As the global streaming landscape continues to evolve, South Korea's ability to produce engaging content that resonates with diverse audiences worldwide positions it as a formidable player in the entertainment industry. The success of Korean productions on platforms like Netflix not only reflects changing viewer preferences but also highlights the potential for storytelling to bridge cultural divides and connect people across the globe.