Kakao Entertainment's Latest Dramas Garner Global Acclaim and Anticipation for Upcoming Releases

Kakao Entertainment's recent releases, 'Queen Mantis' and 'You and Everything Else,' have been receiving rave reviews both domestically and internationally, continuing their success into the latter half of the year. Both productions, despite being of different genres, are praised for their solid storytelling, direction, and impeccable performances, achieving impressive results on global OTT charts.

The SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'Queen Mantis' debuted at 7th place on Netflix's global TOP10 series (non-English) list and recorded a 7.5% average viewership rating for its fourth episode, according to Nielsen Korea. Meanwhile, the Netflix series 'You and Everything Else,' released simultaneously worldwide on September 12, quickly entered the 'Today's Top 10 Series in Korea' and made it to the top 10 in nine countries, signaling a strong start.

Kakao Entertainment's success is attributed to its expertise in IP crossover, utilizing original works to create new, well-made content. By adapting webtoons and web novels, they have been able to produce content that resonates with audiences globally. Their strategy includes collaborating with top actors and enhancing synergy within their studio labels, further strengthening their content competitiveness.

'Queen Mantis,' co-produced by Kakao's studio label Mega Monster, Merry Christmas, and Boim(보임) Film, is a reimagining of the 2017 French drama 'La Mante' set in Korea. The story follows a detective teaming up with his serial killer mother to solve a series of copycat murders, with the narrative adapted to fit the Korean setting and current times.

Director Byun Young-joo expressed intrigue in the differences from the original, adding unique elements to appeal to domestic viewers. The drama explores complex relationships and psychological battles, particularly between the characters played by Ko Hyun-jung and Jang Dong-yoon, enhancing the tension and engagement.

The Netflix series 'You and Everything Else' is an original work praised for its creative storytelling. Featuring Kim Go-eun, the series offers warmth, humor, and healing to global audiences. The narrative, crafted by writer Song Hye-jin and director Jo Young-min, intricately portrays the lifelong friendship and emotional complexities between the two titular characters.

With both dramas receiving acclaim, anticipation is building for the upcoming KBS2TV mini-series 'Walking On Thin Ice,' set to premiere on September 20. Produced by Kakao's studio label Baram Pictures and Slingshot Studio, the series features a stellar cast including Lee Young-ae, Kim Young-kwang, and Park Yong-woo.

Kakao Entertainment plans to further solidify its position as a global studio by enhancing synergy with its management and studio labels, continuing IP crossover projects, and developing original IPs. Upcoming projects include the highly anticipated MBC drama '21st Century Grand Lady(21세기 대군부인)' starring IU and Byun Woo-seok, and the Netflix adaptation of the webtoon 'Solo Leveling,' which has amassed 14.3 billion views worldwide.

Kakao Entertainment is also collaborating with Sanai Pictures, known for its expertise in action noir, to produce the series, with Byun Woo-seok in the lead role. Additionally, the Netflix series 'The Rat Trap(들쥐),' based on a Kakao webtoon, is in production, featuring Ryu Jun-yeol and Sol Kyung-gu. The adaptation of the Spanish play 'Notes from the Last Row' into a Netflix series, starring Choi Min-sik, Choi Hyun-wook, and Heo Joon-ho, is also generating excitement.