South Korean series proving are a hit. While Netflix has opted to boost Asian content on its platform, Paramount+ also intends to capitalise on this new craze.
Two new shows will join the streaming platform as part of a global partnership between Paramount and the Korean entertainment giant, CJ ENM. The series are called “A Bloody Lucky Day” and “Queen Woo.”
“A Bloody Lucky Day” is billed as an action-thriller series. The story follows Taek, an ordinary cab driver confronted with an unusual client who turns out to be a serial killer. The South Korean actress Lee Jung-eun, known for her roles in “Parasite” and “Yonder,” will be on the cast.
“Queen Woo,” meanwhile, is a period drama series, and will focus on the journey of Woo Hee, the first woman in history to become queen twice.
Both new releases will be available in France, the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, Latin America, Brazil, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and Austria.
“We are incredibly proud of our Korean content that is finally taking the global stage, engaging viewers and fans on Paramount+ and beyond,” said Paramount’s Catherine Park, in a statement.
“The addition of ‘A Bloody Lucky Day’ and ‘Queen Woo’ strengthens our global content offering, and we look forward to bringing more original Korean content to our viewers worldwide.”
“Recently, colorful TVING original series in different genres such as fantasy action, thriller and historical drama have entered the global awards ceremony competition both domestically and abroad. We will continue to expand the global competitiveness of K-content with well-made original series that feature a large scale and a unique worldview,” said Hye-jung Hwang of the Korean streaming service, TVING, which will also carry the shows.
Korean content appears to have found a global audience, and the hype doesn’t seem to be fading. Recently, Lee Joon-ik’s drama/sci-fi series “Yonder” became the most watched international series on Paramount+ in the US.
The plot takes place in 2032, and tells the story of a man who receives a message from his deceased wife, asking him to come to Yonder, a place where the dead are able to live on by downloading their memories.
And this success is not confined to US borders. At France’s Cannes International Series Festival, Canneseries, the drama show “Bargain” won the “Best Screenplay” award.
The action takes place in a hotel where shady characters have gathered for an auction of human organs. But when an earthquake strikes and traps everyone inside the building, the unscathed find themselves facing a battle for survival.