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Korea Herald
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
How Korean shows like 'Tastefully Yours' reflect shifting content landscape
Traditional formula for measuring a content's success has long changed, says content creators Today, a show's failure to achieve high ratings on TV does not mean failure. Increasingly, content is experiencing a divide between streaming success and traditional broadcast viewership. As of Wednesday, "Tastefully Yours," a romantic comedy headlined by Korean stars Go Min-si and Kang Ha-neul, has soared to No. 2 on Netflix's global Top 10 non-English TV series. The series also clinched the fourth spot on the streamer's Korea rankings for the top 10 most-watched series. Despite its streaming momentum, the series is struggling to gain traction on linear television. "Tastefully Yours" posted a 3.4 percent viewership rating on TV, trailing behind dramas such as "Heavenly Ever After" and "The Haunted Palace," which pull in a solid 8 to 10 percent in ratings on average. "Tastefully Yours" is one of many Korean shows to post significantly different viewership numbers on television and streaming platforms. A notable example is KBS' variety show "Beat Coin," which initially saw viewership ratings hover around the 1 percent mark during conventional airing. But when a retooled version was released on streaming platform Wavve, the show exploded in popularity, dominating KBS' non-drama category for 28 consecutive weeks between May 8 and Nov. 13, 2023. The rebooted show also ranked No. 1 on Netflix Korea's Top 10 series chart two days after its release. The disconnect between success on linear TV and streaming platforms is largely attributed to demographic distribution among the two media. Viewers of traditional broadcasts are older, while those middle-aged and younger are rapidly shifting to digital platforms. The gap between success in TV and streaming platforms becomes even more pronounced when the content resonates with global youth audiences, as is often the case with Netflix. "Success on Netflix is now generally seen as being more important than high TV ratings," said an industry official from a local drama production studio, speaking on condition of anonymity. 'With success in the streaming space becoming more and more important, from the development stage, we are focusing on creating globally accessible storytelling by incorporating elements such as easily translatable dialogue and editing styles optimized for binge-watching.' With content enjoying longer lifespans thanks to streaming and viral short-form clips, he said producers are now prioritizing long-term potential rather than overnight success, shifting away from focusing solely on a show's performance during its initial television run. 'Even if a series underperforms on broadcast, it can find new life elsewhere. The traditional formula for measuring a content's success has long changed,' he said. Yet, concerns are mounting that the dominance of major streaming platforms, particularly Netflix, could skew creative direction and lead to monopolistic practices in the content industry. The streamer recently raised its subscription fees in Korea, with the ad-supported tier jumping from 5,500 won ($4) to 7,000 won and the basic plan increasing from 9,500 won to 12,000 won.
Korea Herald
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
'Yadang' becomes most-viewed 2025 film in S. Korea
"Yadang: The Snitch" has become the most-watched theatrical release of the year in South Korea, surpassing Bong Joon-ho's Hollywood film "Mickey 17," the Korean movie's distributor said Tuesday. Starring Kang Ha-neul, Yoo Hae-jin and Park Hae-joon, the crime thriller had reached 3,015,000 admissions as of Tuesday morning, edging past "Mickey 17," which drew 3,013,000, according to Plus M Entertainment. Directed by Hwang Byeong-guk, "Yadang" centers on the intertwined ambitions of a cunning criminal informant, a driven prosecutor who recruits him and a detective who risks everything to take down a major drug trafficking ring. Since its release, the flick has stayed atop the domestic box office every day, except for May 5, when Warner Bros.' "A Minecraft Movie" briefly claimed the top spot. During the extended six-day holiday period ending May 6, "Yadang" amassed 831,000 admissions to become the most-watched Korean film released this year, surpassing "Hitman 2," which drew 2.54 million. On Monday, it also became the first R-rated Korean film in six years to surpass 3 million admissions nationwide. (Yonhap)
Korea Herald
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
'Yadang' becomes 1st R-rated Korean film to top 3m admissions in 6 years
"Yadang: The Snitch" has become the first R-rated Korean film in six years to surpass 3 million admissions nationwide. The crime thriller starring Kang Ha-neul, Yoo Hae-jin and Park Hae-joon hit the milestone Tuesday, 26 days after its release on April 16, according to its distributor, Plus M Entertainment. It marks the first time an R-rated Korean film has reached 3 million in attendance since the crime thriller "The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil" (2019), which opened before the COVID-19 pandemic. Directed by Hwang Byeong-guk, "Yadang" centers on the intertwined ambitions of a cunning criminal informant, a driven prosecutor who recruits him and a detective who risks everything to take down a major drug trafficking ring. Since its release, the flick has stayed atop the domestic box office every day, except for May 5, when Warner Bros.' "A Minecraft Movie" briefly claimed the top spot. During the extended six-day holiday period ending May 6, "Yadang" amassed 831,000 admissions to become the most-watched Korean film released this year, surpassing "Hitman 2," which drew 2.54 million. "Yadang" is expected to soon surpass Bong Joon-ho's Hollywood movie "Mickey 17" with 3.01 million admissions to become the most-watched release of the year. (Yonhap)
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Squid Game 2' Star Kang Ha-neul's ‘Yadang: the Snitch' Tops Korean Box Office Again as ‘A Minecraft Movie' Opens in Second
South Korean crime thriller 'Yadang: The Snitch' defended its box office crown for a second consecutive weekend, earning $3.4 million and capturing 49.5% of total market share. The film, which opened on April 16, drew another 521,459 admissions, bringing its cumulative gross to $10.7 million from 1.6 million tickets sold, according to Kobis, the tracking service operated by the Korean Film Council. More from Variety China Box Office: 'Ne Zha 2' Leads Again as Market Slows Ahead of May Holiday Box Office: 'Minecraft' Powers to $816 Million Globally, 'Sinners' Surpasses $161 Million The Catch-22 of Modern Marketing Campaigns: 'We Are Targeting Our Way to Oblivion' Directed by Hwang Byeng-Gug and starring 'Squid Game 2″ actor Kang Ha-neul, 'Yadang: the Snitch,' is from the producers behind record-breaking hit '12:12 The Day' and 'Inside Men.' It follows a professional informant called 'yadang' who provides covert information about the drug world to prosecutors and police. When a drug bust at a party attended by high-profile second-generation VIPs leads to a dangerous conspiracy, the yadang must fight to survive. The film pairs Kang with 'Exhuma' star Yoo Hai-jin and 'The World of the Married' actor Park Hae-joon. Debuting in second place, 'A Minecraft Movie' delivered a robust $2.2 million opening. The film, adapted from the popular video game, attracted 341,858 admissions across 1,450 screens. Including its limited pre-release screenings from the previous week, its cumulative Korean total stands at $2.4 million from 363,042 admissions. Former chart-topper 'The Match' continued its steady decline but remained solid in third with $368,374 and 55,264 admissions. The sports drama has now crossed $13.5 million in total gross with just over 2 million tickets sold since late March. South Korean political documentary 'Search and Seizure: The Rise of an Insurrection' debuted in fourth with $206,262 and 30,296 admissions. The film, which chronicles prosecutors' controversial 2023 raid on an online news outlet amid a defamation dustup with then-President Yoon Suk Yeol,, has grossed $276,864 since its midweek opening. Japanese anime feature 'Attack on Titan The Movie: The Last Attack' rounded out the top five with $174,076 and 22,441 additional admissions. Its cumulative earnings now stand at $5.5 million from 790,608 admissions. In sixth place, 'Conclave' added $95,403 to its Korean total, which now sits at $1.9 million from nearly 300,000 admissions since March. Animated newcomer 'Arctic Dogs: The Magic Portal' opened in seventh with $52,635 and 9,519 admissions from 209 screens. Animated feature 'Flow' stayed in the top 10 in eighth place, earning $28,521. The film's cumulative Korean total now exceeds $1.1 million from 172,903 admissions. Re-released Japanese romance 'April Story' drew $22,055 over the weekend, ranking ninth with a cumulative total of $69,751 from its limited theatrical return. Finally, British romantic comedy 'Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy' rounded out the top 10 with $23,754 and 3,635 additional admissions. The film's Korean total now stands at $260,768 from 41,104 admissions. The top 10 films combined for $6.6 million, continuing the upward trend of the last week. Best of Variety What's Coming to Netflix in May 2025 New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week What's Coming to Disney+ in May 2025
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Squid Game 2' Star Kang Ha-neul Navigates Gray Zones in Hwang Byeong-gug's Korean Crime Thriller ‘Yadang: The Snitch'
As Korea's film industry continues to capture global attention, 'Yadang: The Snitch' offers audiences a rare glimpse into the hidden world of professional informants operating in the shadows of the nation's drug enforcement system. Directed by Hwang Byeong-gug and starring 'Squid Game 2' actor Kang Ha-neul, the film is currently No. 1 at the Korean box office and arrives in U.S. and Canadian theaters on April 25 through Well Go USA Entertainment. More from Variety 'Squid Game' Success Stems From Netflix's Local-First Strategy, Says Asia Content VP Minyoung Kim: 'We Always Aspire to Make Big, Bold Swings' 'Squid Game 2' Star Kang Ha-neul's Crime Thriller 'Yadang: the Snitch' Tops Korean Box Office 'Squid Game: The Experience' Coming to London This Spring From the producers behind record-breaking hits '12:12 The Day' and 'Inside Men,' the thriller follows a professional informant known as a 'yadang' who provides covert intelligence about the drug world to prosecutors and police. When a high-profile drug bust involving second-generation VIPs leads to a dangerous conspiracy, the yadang must fight to survive. For director Hwang, the project began with a news article shared by Hive Media Corp. CEO Kim Won-kuk in 2021. 'The term 'Yadang' mentioned in the article referred to someone operating on the border between legality and illegality, which struck me as a compelling subject for a film,' Hwang tells Variety. 'At the same time, it was becoming clear that Korea could no longer be considered a drug-free nation. I wanted to raise awareness about the dangers and severity of drug crimes.' That element of discovery resonates with star Kang Ha-neul as well. 'The biggest reason [I took the role] was definitely the script – it was tight and fast-paced. Also, 'Yadang' was something I would've never known about if I hadn't read this script,' the actor explains. 'It struck me that if I didn't know this world existed, most audiences probably wouldn't either. That's what drew me to the project – I thought it would be fascinating to introduce viewers to these characters.' Kang's character, Lee Kang-su, walks a treacherous line between crime and law enforcement – a balancing act that presented unique acting challenges. 'He's not a good guy, but leaning too far into that could've turned the audience off, making it difficult for them to stay with his narrative. At the same time, I didn't want to sugarcoat his actions or make them seem noble,' Kang says. 'So I focused on portraying the 'gray zone' as carefully and honestly as I could.' To build authenticity, Hwang immersed his cast in research about real yadangs. 'I read interviews and writings from real Yadangs (which were materials the director had compiled),' Kang notes. 'That's when I realized these individuals operate with complete confidence, like they're untouchable – even if they get caught, they don't believe anyone can touch them.' The film pairs Kang with 'Exhuma' star Yoo Hai-jin and 'The World of the Married' actor Park Hae-joon, creating a triangle of tension between informant, prosecutor and detective. 'Since drug enforcement in Korea falls under the jurisdiction of both police and prosecutors, it was natural for the story to include a Yadang, a prosecutor, and a detective,' Hwang explains. Action sequences received meticulous attention under martial arts director Heo Myeong-haeng. 'We referenced footage of actual drug busts and takedowns by narcotics officers and tried to replicate that realism on camera,' says Hwang. 'We also reflected the characters' personalities through their movements, enhancing their individuality.' One standout sequence features a slippery hand-to-hand combat scene among wriggling eels. 'This not only added fresh entertainment value but also heightened realism through restricted movement and visceral impacts,' the director adds. Hwang views the film as part of Korea's evolving crime genre lineage. 'Korean crime-action films – starting with 'No. 3' (1997), and continuing through 'The Unjust' (2010), 'Inside Men' (2015), and 'Asura: The City of Madness' (2016) – have developed a unique noir style where prosecutors, police, the media, gangsters, and informants all get entangled.' For Kang, whose career has spanned from romantic comedies to historical dramas before recent turns in 'Squid Game 2' and now 'Yadang,' the pivot to more intense roles isn't calculated. 'I've never chosen a project to shape or shift my image in any way. I just pick stories that I find genuinely interesting,' he says. 'So the connection between 'Squid Game' and 'Yadang: The Snitch' is totally coincidental. It wasn't part of any larger strategy.' Following 'Yadang: The Snitch,' Kang is currently filming 'First Ride' and will appear in the drama series 'Tastefully Yours' next month. 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