Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s co-Chief Executive Officer (CEO), made a trip to South Korea to commemorate the company’s 10th anniversary in the country. During his visit, he reflected on the global impact of Korean content and reaffirmed Netflix’s commitment to expanding future partnerships.
Netflix announced on Monday that Sarandos attended a special event celebrating a decade of Netflix’s presence in Korea.
At the event, Sarandos remarked that Korean stories have captivated audiences worldwide, breaking through language barriers and cultural boundaries. The next decade promises to unveil possibilities beyond the current imagination.
He reminisced that a decade ago, when it first entered the Korean market, it had big dreams. However, it never anticipated that Korean narratives would resonate so deeply with global audiences and become a cornerstone of international pop culture.
Sarandos emphasized that for Netflix, Korea represents more than just a market. It’s a wellspring of innovation where it has discovered new potential and learned the far-reaching impact of compelling storytelling. Korea stands as one of the most valued partners in shaping the future of entertainment.
Since its 2016 launch in Korea, Netflix has significantly expanded its collaborations with local content creators. From 2016 to 2025, the streaming giant has partnered or plans to partner with over 80 production companies to create or co-produce more than 200 Korean titles.
The global influence of Korean content has seen remarkable growth. Approximately 80% of Netflix’s worldwide subscribers have engaged with Korean content. Notably, four of the top ten most-watched non-English series in Netflix’s history are Korean productions.
Netflix has also prioritized nurturing new talent and developing production expertise. Between 2021 and 2025, the company aims to provide educational opportunities to over 6,500 individuals through various domestic production enhancement and training initiatives.
In the past three years, more than one-third of Netflix’s Korean original productions have featured emerging directors or writers. Standout examples include writer Choo Sung-yeon of “Lady Dua” and director Park Yoon-seo of “If Wishes Could Kill.”
On October 23, Sarandos visited the National Museum of Korea, where he viewed key exhibits including the Ilyeong Obongdo painting. This artwork gained recent popularity after being featured in Netflix’s animated film KPop Demon Hunters, where it served as a backdrop for a scene in which Hunt Rix performs “Golden.”
Following the museum tour, Sarandos commented that this visit reaffirmed the richness and beauty of Korea’s cultural heritage. It’s heartening to know that many global Netflix viewers, who have fallen in love with Korea through the content, now consider this museum a must-visit destination on their Korean travels.
Looking ahead, he added that the coming decade will unlock possibilities it has yet to imagine. It’s excited to introduce new worlds, fresh faces, and Korean stories that will once again captivate global audiences.