Streaming services up the ante with hit shows [REWIND 2023]

Leading streaming service providers Netflix and Disney+ each had massively popular original series this year, including “The Glory” and “Moving.”

Netflix's “The Glory,” starring Song Hye-kyo as a victim of school bullying who seeks revenge on her perpetrators, ranked among the top 10 non-English television shows of all time on the streaming platform at No. 5, with 436.9 million hours watched within the first 28 days of its release.

“Moving” similarly became the most watched Korean original series on Disney+ ever, and was called “the next breakout hit from Asia after ‘Squid Game’” by outlets such as Variety. A story about a group of superheroes who trudge through ordinary life, “Moving” contributed to increasing the usage time of Disney+ in Korea by 145 percent.

Reports showed that original series from streaming services do especially well in Korea.

REWIND 2023

In 2023, Korea witnessed a tumultuous year in its entertainment and culture scenes. A drug scandal sent shock waves through the industry, ensnaring luminaries like Yoo Ah-in, G-Dragon and Lee Sun-kyun, with Lee reportedly dying by suicide at the age of 48 on Wednesday. BTS members one by one reported for duty to fulfill their looming military service, and Blackpink decided to stand united as a quartet with YG. The K-pop market grappled with alleged tampering scandals, involving artists Fifty Fifty, EXO, Omega X and soloists like Chuu. K-dramas continued their global reign, with "Moving" on Disney+ and "The Glory" on Netflix ranking among the most viewed shows worldwide. Korean literature earned accolades, with the international recognition of Cheon Myeong-kwan and Han Kang's works. Historic cultural landmarks and treasures also made the news, from vandalized Gyeongbok Palace walls to Jikji's exhibition and Gucci's fashion show in Gyeongbok Palace. Only two Korean films were able to make the 10 million ticket sales mark.  

Here are the top 10 culture stories in 2023:  

1. Lee Sun-kyun dies by suicide, drug scandal sweeps entertainment scene

2. Bye for now, BTS says

3. Blackpink 'fourever'

4. Cupid's roller coaster ride

5. Streaming services up the ante with hit shows

6. Scribbling on the royal palace walls

7. Fiction books find global acclaim

8. Jikji sees spotlight after half a century in hiding

9. Luxury brands secure their spot in Korea

10. Two films in the 10 million club 

BY LIM JEONG-WON [[email protected]]