Netflix is set to add five Korean dramas series and one feature film to its platform in an effort to become a preferred streamer for Korean drama fans worldwide, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. In 2018, Netflix has added new Korean content with popular shows such as Romance Is A Bonus Book and Memories of the Alhambra. This year, the streamer’s Korean films and dramas, including Arthdal Chronicles, Abyss, and One Spring Night have gained widespread popularity.
“Netflix started adding Korean titles three years ago and we’ve seen how that has attracted new audiences who are discovering the Netflix viewing experience for their K-drama viewing,” said director of international originals for Netflix, Minyoung Kim.
“Fan favorites like Korean Odyssey, Something in the Rain, What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim are all part of our growing library. Also, we are pleased to be working with Korean talent and creators on the second season of original titles like Kingdom and My First First Love,” Kim added.
The first Korean drama set to launch this summer is Chief of Staff, a series about political aides and their strong desire for power. The drama is directed by Kwak Jung-hwan (The Slave Hunters, Ms. Hammurabi) and written by Lee Dae-Il (Bring It On, Life on Mars). Lee Jung-Jae is the ambitious chief of staff to the floor leader of a prominent Korean lawmaker, and Shin Min-Ah is the gentle but resolute spokesperson for her party.
The second drama series set to launch on Netflix is Designated Survivor, which follows the main storyline of the original Designated Survivor: 60 Days, “but features more of the Korean reality,” according to Netflix. The show follows a politician who after an explosion that kills everyone that is more senior than him, becomes the President of Korea. Jin-Hee (Daejanggeum, Jewel in the Palace) plays a politician who must quickly adapt to the “cutthroat” world of politics as acting president for 60 days, while also trying to uncover the truth behind the attack.
On July 26, Netflix will air the second season of My First First Love. The show will continue to portray how the characters grow and how they deal with love triangles and career ambitions. The cast includes Jim Soo, Jinyoung, Jung Chae-Yeon, Kang Tae-Oh, and Choi Ri.
On August 22, Netflix will launch the first season Love Alarm, new original series. The show follows a group of young friends in Seoul who are “caught between what they truly desire and what a mobile app says they would want.” The app sends an alarm when someone who has romantic feelings for you is within a 10 meter-radius. The show is based on a popular Korean webtoon of the same title by Chon Kye-Young (Audition, Unplugged Boy).
The fifth and final Korean series that will launch in the summer is the spy-action drama Vagabond. The series follows a stuntman (Lee Seung-Gi), who is involved in a plane crash and discovers a national corruption scandal. Yu In-Sik serves as director. It is set to launch in September.