By Lucas Mascarenhas

Over the past decade, South Korea has evolved from regional powerhouse to global tastemaker. The so-called Korean Wave is no longer a passing trend but a structural force influencing content development, platform strategy and consumer behavior in entertainment markets around the world. Whether it’s Oscar-winning films like “Parasite” or global streaming hits like “Squid Game,” Korean content is not just gaining international acclaim; it’s influencing how the West creates and monetizes entertainment.

According to demand data from Parrot Analytics, the leader in global media and entertainment analytics, Korean titles were the second-largest driver of global revenue among all non-English-language originals across streaming platforms in the fourth quarter of 2024, trailing only Japanese content. This signals more than just audience appeal, Korean titles are delivering measurable financial returns. As platforms race to capture international markets and Gen Z audiences, Korean IP has proven itself both scalable and lucrative.