Core Insights - Netflix has launched its Ads Suite in South Korea, marking its first introduction of this advertising system in the region after operating it in the US and Europe for over a year [1][3] - The Ads Suite is a comprehensive advertising solution that includes audience targeting, creative management, content insertion, external platform integration, data feedback, and performance monitoring [2] - The introduction of Ads Suite is seen as a significant threat to traditional television networks in South Korea, as it begins to penetrate the advertising budget pool that these networks rely on [6][14] Advertising Market Impact - The overall broadcast television advertising revenue in South Korea is projected to decline by 8.1% in 2024, reaching approximately 2.01 trillion KRW, with terrestrial broadcast advertising revenue falling below 1 trillion KRW for the first time [8] - Despite the growth of South Korea's GDP and advertising budgets not shrinking overall, television advertising continues to decline, indicating a shift in where advertising dollars are being spent [9][10] - Netflix commands 40% of the OTT market in South Korea, with a user base of 13.93 million, achieving a penetration rate of 27% in the population [11] Financial Performance - In April, Netflix reported a revenue of 899.6 billion KRW (approximately 629 million USD) for 2024 in South Korea, reflecting a 9% year-on-year growth, with operating profit increasing by 44% to 17.4 billion KRW (approximately 12.2 million USD) [13] Cultural and Content Shift - Netflix's entry into the South Korean market in 2016 marked a turning point, as it transitioned from merely acquiring content to producing original Korean dramas, with a focus on "local originals for global distribution" [31] - The platform has altered the content logic and production processes of Korean dramas, shifting the audience from local viewers to a global subscriber base [34] - Traditional themes in Korean dramas are being replaced by genre templates that appeal to international audiences, such as the combination of historical and zombie themes in "Kingdom" and social issues in "The Glory" [41][45] Conclusion on Cultural Influence - While Korean dramas maintain their cultural identity, the narratives are increasingly shaped by Hollywood's industrial standards, leading to a blend of Korean aesthetics with global storytelling techniques [52] - The center of the Korean Wave has shifted from local television institutions to global platforms like Netflix, indicating a transformation in how Korean content is produced and consumed [55][56]