Issue Focus

First-Episode Kiss Wins Global: K-Rom-Com Takes Netflix No.1

This spotlight shows how classic K-romance formulas—fast-paced chemistry, universal tropes, and

character-driven storytelling—still translate into powerful global streaming success, signaling strong

export potential for Korean mid-budget scripted content.

♦  K-Romance Tops Global Streaming Charts

      • SBS rom-com ‘Dynamite Kiss’ ranked No.1 on Netflix’s Non-English TV chart (Nov 24–30), recording 5.5M views globally

      • The series topped rankings in 47 countries, including Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Korea, showing strong traction

          in Latin America

♦  Classic Tropes, Fast Pacing Drive Viral Appeal

      • The story centers on a single woman disguised as a working mom who shares an unexpected first kiss

          with her boss, sparking romance

      • The immediate “first-episode kiss” and playful rom-com cliches helped the show gain global word-of-mouth

         momentum across regions

♦  Consistent Weekly Growth Signals Organic Popularity

      • Debuted at No.3 in week one, rose to No.2 in week two, and hit No.1 in week three through steady audience expansion

      • This trajectory demonstrates continued global demand for familiar, comforting Kromance narratives in

          competitive OTT environments

♦  Other Korean Titles Also Charting

      • Young-seok Na PD’s reality show “Three Idiots in Kenya” ranked No.5 (1.9M views), while thriller “As you stood by”

          placed No.6 (1.8M views)

      • In English-language TV, “Stranger Things” Season 5 dominated with 59.6M views, marking the final season of

          Netflix’s signature original series

Source

Yonhap News Agency. (2025.12.03)

https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20251203042300005