OTT platform Netflix benefited from the’Squid Game’ released in 2021. 'Squid Game', which caused a global syndrome, was the first non-English language film to win many trophies, including awards in six American Emmy Awards in six categories. Following 'The Squid Game', Netflix has soared with the popularity of 'The Glory'.
The topical work in the first half of 2023 is definitely the Netflix series’The Glory’ workplace. Song Hye-kyo's line in the play, 'You're cool, Yeon Jin-ah', became a buzzword that anyone could use anywhere, and raised awareness along with accusations of school violence. Accordingly, Netflix co-CEO Sarandos also mentioned the 'The Glory' series along with 'Squid Game' at an official event.
Of course, not all Netflix series are successful. 'The Courier Driver' starring Kim Woo-bin and Song Seung-heon, and 'Love Battle' starring Kim Ok-bin and Yoo Tae-oh recorded lower grades than expected. What Netflix chose was an investment.
Co-CEO Sarandos said, "60% of global viewers have watched at least one K-content. The movie 'Carter', the series 'Our School Now', and 'The Glory' have made it to the top 10 in more than 90 countries." "This is the reason we are investing in Korea for a long time. We plan to invest 2.5 billion dollars (approximately 3.2248 trillion won) over 4 years," he said.
◆ Season 2 production confirmed: 'Squid Game 2', 'Physical: 100'
Netflix recently made official production of 'Squid Game' Season 2 and 'Physical: 100' Season 2. First, it was announced that 'Squid Game' will join Lee Jung-jae, who has been in charge of the main role since season 1, followed by frontman Lee Byung-hun, Wi Ha-joon, Si-wan Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Sung-hoon, and Yang Dong-geun. However, it has been pointed out that there are no female actors among the cast. The additionally announced casting lineup included Park Kyu-young, former member of the girl group IZ*ONE, Cho Yu-ri, Kang Ae-sim, Lee David, Lee Jin-wook, Choi Seung-hyun, Noh Jae-won, and Won Ji-an.
Choi Seung-hyun's name stands out. Choi Seung-hyun, who made his debut in the music industry in 2006 as a member of Big Bang, was sentenced to 10 months in prison and 2 years probation for smoking marijuana four times while serving in the military as a police officer. As a result, his conscripted police position was lifted, and he completed his service as a social worker. He said he had no intention of returning, but he chose 'Squid Game 2' as his comeback work, so he stood at the center of the topic. Recently, Netflix quickly lost money with Yoo Ah-in, who was accused of drug use. The cast of 'Hell 2' was changed from Yoo Ah-in to Kim Seong-chul, and the release of the films 'The Battle' and 'The Last Fool' was temporarily suspended.
'Physical: 100' is an extreme survival game entertainment in which 100 people who are proud to be the strongest physicals to find the best body with the most powerful physicals. For the first time in the history of Korean entertainment, it ranked first in the Netflix Global Top 10 TV Show (non-English) category. However, if 'Squid Game 2' was embroiled in casting controversy, 'Physical: 100' raised controversy over match fixing in the final.
'Physical: 100' performer Jeong Hae-min raised suspicion of manipulation through an interview. Despite the clarification of the production team, the selected card was the original release of the final. The production team explained, "We have proposed several suspicions that overturn the results, and it is not true," and the controversy over the manipulation was put to rest. Nevertheless, Netflix confirmed the production of 'Physical: 100' Season 2. In season 2, compared to the previous season, an expanded confrontation space and strong performers who were not invited in the previous season will appear. In addition to this, 'Hell', 'My School Now', and 'Juvenile Judgment' have been confirmed for season 2 production.
◆ Season 2 to be released: 'DP' Season 2, 'Sweet Home 2'
Season 2 of 'DP' is scheduled to be released on July 28th. Season 2 of 'DP' tells the story of Jun-ho (Jung Hae-in) and Ho-yeol (Koo Gyo-hwan), who are arrested for desertion from military duty, constantly encountering unchanging reality and absurdities. It sharply shed light on the subject matter of the deserter arrest team and the violence and absurdity within the military, which can be said to be a microcosm of society. Accordingly, it was selected as one of the top 10 best international TV shows of the 2021 New York Times, and won the Best Picture Award in the TV category at the 58th Baeksang Arts Awards and the Best Picture Award at the 1st Blue Dragon Series Awards.
'Sweet Home' confirmed the simultaneous production of season 2 and season 3. Season 2 will be released in the fourth quarter. 'Sweet Home', based on a popular webtoon of the same name, tells the bizarre and shocking story of Hyeon-su (played by Song Kang), a reclusive high school student who lost his family and moved to an apartment. I was able to get a glimpse of the various human groups and various creatures shown at the crossroads of desire and survival. In addition to Song Kang, Lee Jin-wook, Lee Si-young, Go Min-si, and Park Gyu-young, who appeared in Season 1, new faces Yoo Oh-seong, Oh Jeong-se, Kim Moo-yeol, and Jin-young join.
Reporter Kang Min-kyung, Ten Asia kkk39@tenasia.co.kr