[Press Release] The World Loves K-Romance - and We Have Six New Series to Make Your Heart Beat Faster
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If you have been swept off your feet by the unconventional love story in "Crash Landing on You", or melted at the first stirrings of connection in "Extraordinary Attorney Woo" and "Business Proposal", then brace yourselves for a heartbeat-skipping announcement.
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Audiences worldwide have been growing fonder of K-Romance, and this affection shows no signs of fading. Between 2018 to 2022, global viewership of Netflix's K-Romance titles tripled. In 2022 alone, more than 90 per cent of this viewing came from outside South Korea.
We're moved by the affection, and we're eager to return it in kind. As the home for compelling K-Romance, Netflix will be introducing six new Korean romance series over the upcoming five months.
For decades, this genre has captivated audiences in Korea and throughout Asia, a testament to the storytelling prowess and production expertise of gifted Korean content creators, observes Don Kang, Vice President of Content (Korea). "We're genuinely humbled by how our emotive Korean shows have found a home in the hearts of global audiences through Netflix, stretching from the U.S., Europe, South America, and beyond. Our stories touch on the universal aspects of life - love, heartbreak, and tenderness, while also providing a peek into the unique facets of Korean culture. Netflix's commitment to forging this profound global connection is something we're truly excited about".
"Creators have dedicated themselves to painting the delicate dynamics and evolving emotions of our characters", adds Woo-yeon Yang, Director of Content (Korea). The crafting of the hallmark slow-burning intensity of K-Romances, along with their wholesome appeal, shapes an undeniably "endearing genre that strikes a chord with global viewers", she believes.
Netflix's investment in subtitling and dubbing has been instrumental in expanding the K-Romance audience. "The impact has been more profound than we ever imagined", shares Yang. "Despite the diversity of languages, the common thread of understanding and accessing Korean content seems to be a key strength that has set Netflix as a trendsetter". Yang underscores the value of dubbing, noting that "listening to dialogues in their own languages helps K-Romance resonate more deeply with viewers worldwide".
Continuing the world's love for this genre, Netflix's upcoming K-Romance shows will each have their own distinct features. Here's a sneak peek at what these new shows have to tell.
"See You In My 19th Life" (premiering June 17)
Enchanting Heroine Meets Heart-stirring Rom-com Saga
In this spinoff from a hit webtoon, Shin Hye-sun stars as a heroine who can remember all her past lives. As a young girl in her 18th life, she falls for a thoughtful boy next door. In her 19th life, she tries to make her way back to him, only to find he has become a cold man who doesn't want to get close to anyone. Can love triumph across lifetimes?
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"See You In My 19th Life" is directed by Lee Na-jeong, written by Choi Young-rim, Han Ah-reum-II, and features Shin Hye-sun, Ahn Bo-hyun, Ha Yoon-kyung, Ryu Hae-jun, Kim Si-a, Park So-yi. Broadcasting information in Korea: 2023/06/17~Upcoming, Sat, Sun 21:20 on TVING, tvN.
"King the Land" (premiering June 17)
Dream Match Meets Workplace Romance
A wealthy heir cannot stand fake smiles. He meets a girl whose bright smile is part of her job - in one of his family businesses. He immediately dislikes her, writing her off as someone who hides her true self behind a fake smile. Former global K-Pop idols Lee Junho and Lim Yoona team up for the first time as actors in this much-anticipated "enemies to lovers" K-Romance.
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"King the Land" is directed by Lim Hyeon-wook, written by Choi Rom, and features Lee Junho, Lim Yoona, Go Won-hee, Kim Ga-eun, Ahn Se-ha, Kim Jae-won-III. Broadcasting information in Korea: 2023/06/17~Upcoming, Sat, Sun 22:30 on JTBC.
Comedy Meets Suspense with a Dash of Romance
Rom-com queen Han Ji-min plays a veterinarian in a small town who has a very strange gift of psychometry. When she convinces a detective of her abilities, they team up to solve neighbourhood crimes.
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"Behind your Touch" is directed by Kim Seok-yoon, written by Lee Nam-gyoo, and features Han Ji-min, Lee Min-ki, Joo Min-kyung, Suho, Woo Hyun, Park No-shik. Broadcasting information in Korea: 2023~Upcoming, on JTBC.
The Most Spellbinding K-Couple Meets in a Classic K-Romance
K-Romance powerhouses Jo Bo-ah and Rowoon combine their star wattage in this sweeping saga. Rowoon plays a hotshot lawyer who has it all, but is haunted by a family curse. And it turns out that the woman who is key to breaking this curse is none other than the seemingly ordinary civil servant played by Jo.
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"Destined With You" is directed by Nam Gi-hoon, written by No Ji-seol, and features Rowoon, Jo Bo-ah, Ha Jun, Yura, Lee Pil-mo, Jung Hye-young. Broadcasting information in Korea: 2023~Upcoming, on JTBC, Netflix.
"A Time Called You" (Premiering in third quarter of 2023)
Stars from "Business Proposal" and "Vincenzo" in a Time-slip Romance
Ahn Hyo-seop (from "Business Proposal") and Jeon Yeo-been (from "Vincenzo") star in this remake of classic Taiwanese romance Someday or One Day. Jeon's character travels back in time to 1998 and meets a man played by Ahn, who bears an uncanny resemblance to her late boyfriend. In fact, each lead takes on the challenge of playing two characters who look identical, but have completely different personalities - and all the complications that creates when it comes to love.
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"A Time Called You" is directed by Kim Jin-won-I, written by Choi Hyo-bi, and features Ahn Hyo-seop, Jeon Yeo-been, Kang Hoon, Kim Yi-kyeong. Broadcasting information in Korea: 2023/Third quarter~Upcoming, on Netflix.
"Doona!" (Premiering in fourth quarter of 2023)
K-Romance Meets K-pop
A college student (Yang Se-jong) navigates life and school while dealing with a unique predicament - he's living with a former K-Pop sensation, played by real-life former K-Pop star Bae Suzy. Their relationship starts out as one of mutual misunderstanding and dislike, and grows over time into one of love and trust. But can their connection withstand the cruel pressures of fame?
Need more help picking the right K-Romance for you? Check out this handy infographic to help you make your best love match.
K-Romance infographic
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"Doona!" is directed by Lee Jeong-hyo, written by Jang Yoo-ha, and features Bae Suzy, Yang Se-jong, Lee Yu-bi, Lee Jin-uk, Go Ah-sung. Broadcasting information in Korea: 2023/Fourth quarter~Upcoming, on Netflix.
