Issue Focus

Hollywood’s K-Obsession : Why Everyone Wants Korean DNA in Their Shows

This article shows how global studios are no longer just importing Korean content

but actively weaving in elements of K-culture such as music, food, and stories-into their productions.

This proves that “K” has become a trendy and profitable creative resource for international media

companies.

♦  K-Pop Format Goes Global

     • Apple TV+ series “KPOPPED” features global pop legends like Spice Girls collaborating with K-pop

       groups ITZY, reinterpreting classic hits in K-pop style

     • Co-produced by CJ ENM, Eureka Productions, and Apple TV+, filmed in Seoul but presented in English

       for international audiences

♦  K-Culture as Hollywood Creative Ingredient

     • Netflix’s “K-Pop Demon Hunters” (Sony Pictures Animation) infuses K-pop, Korean food, and landmarks

       into a Hollywood production with mostly English dialogue

     • Amazon MGM’s “Butterfly” was filmed entirely in Korea with Korean actors like Tae-hee Kim,

       and Hae-soo Park, featuring a singnificant portion of the dialogue is in Korean.

♦  Korean Diaspora Creators Bridge Cultures

     • Korean diaspora creators like Maggie Kang (K-Pop Demon Hunters), and Min Jin Lee (Pachinko) lead

       projects that authentically represent Korean culture

     • These creators make Korean themes accessible to global audiences without cultural disconnect, serving

       as cultural bridges in mainstream productions

♦  From “Made in Korea” to “Inspired by Korea”

      • K-content is evolving from “Korean-made content” to “Korean-inspired content,” as global OTTs

        actively seek Korean cultural elements for their productions

     • Industry experts compare this to how Italian cuisine or French fashion became global cultural staples,

       with K-culture achieving similar mainstream integration

Source

Yonhap News Agency. (2025. 9. 3)

https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20250901157800005 (Korean version only)