12.1 Billion Hours Viewed Globally
South Korean content dominated Netflix viewing outside the United States from April 2025 to March 2026, amassing 12.1 billion hours globally. Omdia and Digital i unveiled this achievement during the International Streaming Summit in Busan.
The analysis found South Korean productions recorded 44% more viewing hours than Japanese content and nearly twice the viewing of UK content. These statistics highlight South Korea’s increasing impact on the worldwide streaming industry.
Global hits like Squid Game, Daehongsu (The Great Flood), and Pokssak Sog-atsuda (When Life Gives You Tangerines) have propelled South Korea to the forefront, surpassing other content-exporting countries like Japan, the United Kingdom, and Spain.
Maria Rua Aguete, Head of Media & Entertainment at Omdia, remarked, “South Korea has established itself as the leading source of globally successful content outside the United States.” She emphasised the immense international demand for Korean productions.
Shift in Global Viewing Patterns
Korean content’s success symbolizes a broader change in global entertainment, with audiences increasingly embracing stories from diverse languages and regions. The streaming era has enabled these narratives to cross borders instantly.
Rua Aguete mentioned that Korea’s content ecosystem is strategically vital, integrating world-class creators, robust intellectual property, and innovative production techniques. This ecosystem has evolved from initial global hits to a sustainable model for delivering international success across multiple genres.
The report estimated Netflix viewing in 17 countries, including the US, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and several European nations, underscoring the extensive reach and appeal of South Korean productions. This trend represents a significant shift in global streaming audience preferences.
South Korea ranks as the world’s leading content source outside the US on Netflix. Its strategic position in the global streaming market is reinforced by its consistent delivery of successful content, which continues to strengthen its influence. The International Streaming Summit highlighted how Korean content generated almost twice as much viewing as UK content, showcasing its growing dominance.
According to the analysis, what began with breakout global hits has evolved into a sustainable content ecosystem. This consistency helps Korea strengthen its position in the global streaming market.
Last updated: 18 June 2026, 8:15 pm
