Binge-watching Netflix while indulging in your favorite snacks is now considered a very common form of guilt-free entertainment. In the last decade, Netflix has produced some of the best and most unforgettable shows from all over the world. With the platform’s vast array of movies and TV shows made by amazing filmmakers all over the globe, it’s not surprising why it’s easy for anyone to find a show they deem “binge-worthy”.
In this article, Ziptoss will briefly talk about how the South Korean film industry has managed to penetrate the global market by showcasing its brilliance and creativity. We’re also going to talk about 3 new compelling Korean TV shows that were recently made available on Netflix to help you decide what to watch at your next binge-watching party.
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The Rise of the South Korean Film Industry
In recent years, the film industry in Korea started becoming more internationally recognized. Their ability to produce high-quality films and the most compelling TV shows began creating a new wave of fans from all over the world.
Most of the films they have produced in recent years are considered both aesthetically pleasing and captivating with strong storylines that are even sometimes tastefully unpredictable. Despite cultural differences and language barriers, watching Korean film and TV shows became well-received in many countries.
Their ability to create TV dramas that most people can’t stop watching was their initial ticket to enthrall new international audiences. When Netflix showcased originals from Korea, it sealed its credibility and identity within the film industry as a nation that was capable of producing high-caliber movies and TV shows.
3 New Compelling Korean TV Shows to Add to Your Watchlist on Netflix
- Squid Games
Genres: Drama, Horror Fiction, Thriller
If you’re someone who enjoys a good thrill, this Netflix original is perfect for you. Its international release date was on September 17, 2021, with a budget of 21.4 million USD. Squid Game’s director, Hwang Dong-hyuk started writing the story 10 years ago with inspiration from present-day social class disparities and economic struggles.
The story revolves around the main character, Seong Gi-hun, a man in deep financial trouble from some questionable choices he’s made in life. He soon finds himself in more financial debt when his ill mother gets hospitalized generating a huge bill he doesn’t know how to pay. Gi-Hun then decides to enter a competition along with 455 other players (making him number 456) whom he realizes were also in debt.
The competition seemed innocent at first as they were all tasked to play children’s games. However, things took a sinister turn as the body count started rising just after the first round. If you’re planning to watch Squid Games get ready for a rollercoaster ride of emotions; one that will have you shocked at some point, to both laughing and crying in another.
- My Name
Genres: Action, Thriller, Crime
For those who love action-packed shows with a strong and empowering female lead, this Netflix TV series is for you. The show was released on October 15, 2021, with Kim Jin-min as the show’s director. Just like Squid Games, this Original Korean series became a hit internationally with fans from all over the world now excited for season 2.
The story portrays a grim story about a woman, Yoon Ji-Woo who wishes to avenge the death of her father after he was shot on the night of her 17th birthday. Desperate to find both the truth and her father’s killer, she then joins an organized crime ring that her father used to be a part of.
After training to become a strong fighting machine, Ji-Woo is then placed by the group as a mole in the police department. Now as an undercover officer, the real story begins to unravel before her with shocking revelations she wasn’t prepared for. If you want to join her quest in finding the truth, get ready for action-packed scenes and plot twists that would surely blow your mind!
- D.P.
Genres: Military, Drama
This Netflix TV series is a live-action adaptation of a popular webtoon by Kim Bo-Tong. However, the director of the show Han Jun-Hee wanted to “make sure that this was scalable so that it could be brought onto screen.” D.P. is short for “Deserter Pursuit” which is a term coined for the soldiers tasked to track down those who went AWOL in the military.
The story centers around the main character An Jun-Ho, a calm and keen-observing soldier. Because of his innate ability to be composed without losing his sharp intuition, he is then transferred to the D.P. or Deserter Pursuit team along with Sergeant Park Beom-Gu and Corporal Han Ho-Yeol. The story takes you on a winding journey of finding different people and the harsh realities of why soldiers choose to leave the military.
It also gives you an insight into the painful realities enlistees have to face after being called on their compulsory calls of duty. If you want to put D.P. on your next Netflix binge-watching party, get ready for a beautiful balance between harsh realities and lighthearted humor combined with a compelling storyline you just can’t stop watching