Netflix has completed all preparations to captivate global audiences with a plethora of works in the entertainment and series sectors, showcasing a 'feast' alongside its commitment to create representative works of Korean cinema.
On the morning of the 4th, the 'Next on Netflix 2025 Korea' event was held at the Grand Ballroom on the B1 floor of the Fairmont Ambassador Seoul, introducing Netflix's lineup of works for 2025.
The event was graced by Kang Dong-han, VP of Netflix Korean Content, along with Kim Tae-won, Director of Netflix Film, Yoo Gi-hwan, Director of Netflix Non-Fiction, Bae Jong-byeong, Senior Director of Netflix Series, writer Lee Na-eun of 'Melomovie', director Kim Won-seok of 'Poksak Sogaksuda', director Lee Il-hyung of 'Akyeon', director Yoo Young-eun of 'Can This Love Be Translated?', and director Lee Chang-min of 'Cashero'.
Regarding Netflix's production costs, VP Kang Dong-han stated, "It is most important to invest sufficient production costs and operate well," emphasizing the company's commitment to responsible investment.
Netflix's responsible investment is linked to the diversity and quality of its works. As evidence of this, director Lee Chang-min of 'Cashero' said, "We approached it with the ordinary logic that as much money as we spend, we can deliver quality, like the 'Cashero' who saves people with superpowers. It was tough, but we had fun filming."
Netflix entertainment, which has captivated domestic and international viewers by creating numerous buzz and memes, is returning with daily entertainment that reflects various viewer preferences, as well as significant original entertainment series.
Director Yoo Gi-hwan of the Non-Fiction sector stated about Netflix Korean entertainment in 2024, "Last year saw many works released, and I think it can be said that it was the year of 'Black and White Chef'. It received a lot of love and created the 'Evenly' meme, gaining global affection as well as in Korea."
As director Yoo Gi-hwan said, "We reflected all viewer preferences," Netflix will showcase various genres from dating reality represented by the flagship entertainment 'Solo Hell' to reality, mystery, and thriller. Starting with 'Solo Hell' Season 4, which heralds the beginning of 2024, new dating reality 'I Want to Date Even Though I'm a Virgin', the legendary mystery entertainment 'Crime Scene Zero' featuring the popular Giann 84 and BTS Jin, and more diverse genres of entertainment series are set to delight viewers.
Additionally, the brain survival game 'Devil's Plan' Season 2, the intense national competition 'Physical: Asia' where representatives from various countries compete fiercely, and the K-cooking survival 'Black and White Chef: Cooking Class War' Season 2, which showcased the charm of K-entertainment to the world, are returning to promise even more solid fun.
In stark contrast to 'Solo Hell', 'I Want to Date Even Though I'm a Virgin' will provide entertainment through a makeover dating reality that helps virgin individuals (below referred to as 'Moso') with their first love. Director Yoo Gi-hwan emphasized, "4,000 Moso men and women applied, and we selected Moso cast members in their 20s and 30s," adding, "They are clumsy in love and don't know how, but they are sincere about dating, and I think we will see a sitcom-like first love challenge. It will not only make people fall in love but also provide the fun of 'blanket kicking'."
However, what garnered the most attention was the fact that individuals who were difficult for the public to easily access would appear in 'Netflix entertainment'. Lee Sedol, the Go player who faced off against 'artificial intelligence', will engage in a competitive deduction in 'Devil's Plan 2'. The biggest gasp from the audience came from the appearance of boxing legend champion Manny Pacquiao. Director Yoo Gi-hwan announced, "Boxing legend champion Manny Pacquiao will participate in 'Physical Asia' as a representative of the Philippines. Please look forward to whether he will participate until the end."
'Crime Scene' will move to the Netflix platform and meet global viewers. Director Yoo Gi-hwan, who confessed to being the producer of the early 'Crime Scene', stated, "As someone who created 'Crime Scene', I know what elements viewers like. We will strive to present a solid case and well-crafted chemistry among the members, with refreshing deductions, while maintaining the essence."
Crime Scene Zero is a program chosen by the production team. It aired on JTBC, moved to Tving, and was selected to be presented globally. There is no burden regarding the platform. We are focused on creating an inherently interesting story, so we are concentrating on the essence rather than the differences in broadcasting.
Additionally, 'star entertainment PD' Na Young-seok has joined. Director Yoo Gi-hwan revealed, "I am announcing for the first time here that Na Young-seok PD will collaborate with Netflix to release an original entertainment program," adding, "I am also looking forward to what original work Na Young-seok PD, who is known for producing reliable works, will present. Na Young-seok PD's entertainment will be available in the fourth quarter of 2025."
Netflix series, which have captivated global audiences with diverse content, will showcase works with different charms that reflect viewers' preferences.
As director Bae Jong-young said, "We have prepared a feast," Netflix is expected to target global audiences with various series this year. Netflix will present 'All Will Be Achieved', the comeback work of writer Kim Eun-sook, which is highly anticipated due to the meeting of Kim Woo-bin and Suzy, the story of youth who do not want to miss work and love 'Melomovie', hard-boiled noir action 'Square', the essence of mystery thriller 'The Price of Confession', and 'Can This Love Be Translated?' depicting the unpredictable romance of a multilingual interpreter and global top stars, offering viewers a unique experience across genres including romance, comedy, drama, and action.
Additionally, 'Poksak Sogaksuda', which captures the lively adventures of IU and Park Bo-gum, 'Akyeon', which depicts the story of six individuals entangled in a terrible fate, the story of a 'Cashero' who is a dirt spoon superhero, and the gun action disaster thriller 'Trigger', the mystery melodrama historical drama 'Tangeum', and the story of two friends intertwined throughout their lives 'Eunjoong and Sangyeon' are all set to captivate global audiences with their rich variety.
In the case of 'Poksak Sogaksuda', it adopts a release method that Netflix is trying for the first time by releasing the entire series. Since 'Poksak Sogaksuda' consists of four acts, it will be released over four weeks. Director Kim Won-seok stated, "I am confident that the story unfolding over a month in four acts will not only be entertaining but also leave a deep aftertaste and emotion."
He continued, "This is a work that all the actors and staff have worked hard on for a long time. I hope many people will like it," expressing his hope that "since it will be released in four episodes, I hope viewers will watch it all the way through and then judge it."
The four-week release was at the request of the creators. VP Kang Dong-han explained, "We discussed with the director and writer that it would unfold in four acts, and we decided on the release method to enjoy it accordingly," adding, "Netflix series, as well as entertainment, have various launching patterns depending on the nature of the work. We are trying to adopt ways to enjoy it in a fun way that aligns with the creative intent."
Netflix has expressed a strong will to pursue diversity while not losing the essence of its works. Director Lee Il-hyung, who aimed to expand the genre of series rather than films with 'Akyeon', confessed, "I was nervous at first. The pacing is longer than a movie, and with longer time and running time, I had many concerns about how to direct it. It was unfamiliar, but the essence is the same. My mission is to show good stories, good visuals, and good characters," adding, "I did my best just like before."
Not only in Korea but also globally, highly anticipated follow-up seasons of global projects with a strong fan base will meet viewers in 2025.
First, following the record-breaking 'Squid Game' Season 2, which set the record for the most views in the first week of any Netflix release, 'Squid Game' Season 3 will conclude on June 23. Additionally, the final season of the global hit 'Stranger Things' Season 5, which swept major international awards and captivated audiences worldwide, and 'Wednesday' Season 2, which received enthusiastic support from critics and viewers globally, are waiting to meet fans around the world. Furthermore, the Russo brothers' 'Electric State', which tells the story of a sibling's adventure in a world where robots have rebelled, Guillermo del Toro's new work featuring actors Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, and Mia Goth, 'Frankenstein', as well as 'Knives Out: Wake Up Dead Man', 'Alice in Borderland' Season 3, and 'Black Mirror' Season 7, are all set to bring diverse enjoyment to global viewers this year.
[Geum Bit-na, MK Sports Reporter]
