Overview of the Global Film Industry
The film industry is widely regarded as one of the most culturally significant creative industries across the world. In Korea, the film sector continues to produce a wide range of films each year, yet it has recently faced structural disruption.
Over the past few years, the industry has experienced unprecedented disruption, largely driven by the pandemic era. By September 2025, Korean movie attendance had declined sharply, reaching only a fraction of pre-pandemic figures. As a result, the industry now stands at a strategic crossroads.
Key Trends Restructuring here the Film Industry
One of the most widely discussed trends in today’s film industry is the accelerated adoption of OTT platforms. Services such as Netflix, Watcha, and TVING have changed audience expectations.
Audiences increasingly prefer on-demand consumption over traditional theater visits. This shift presents filmmakers with creative adjustments, while simultaneously opening up alternative revenue models.
The Influence of OTT Platforms
The rise of OTT platforms has introduced a range of positive effects. Content production now spans a larger selection of genres, formats, and storytelling styles.
Additionally, global distribution has become far more streamlined, allowing Korean films to reach global viewers with greater ease. This has contributed to the qualitative growth of Korean cinema.
Audience Decline and Key Causes
The decline in theater attendance can be attributed to multiple factors. Pandemic-related capacity limitations significantly reduced cinema accessibility. At the same time, OTT platforms encouraged audiences to adopt digital-first consumption.
These shifts are transforming distribution models, forcing creators to pursue new engagement methods.
The Globalization of Korean Cinema
Korean cinema has emerged as a world-class cultural force. Films such as Parasite achieved global acclaim, elevating Korea’s status within the global film market.
This globalization enables filmmakers to explore hybrid storytelling, enriching content through the blending of cultures.
Changes in Film Production
Traditional theatrical releases are no longer the sole distribution model. Instead, OTT-based releases are becoming industry standard.
This evolution offers creators more strategic options, while audiences benefit from viewing convenience.
Future Outlook and Adaptive Responses
The future of the film industry is expected to be platform-driven. As audience preferences continue to evolve, creators must focus on content differentiation.
Simultaneously, strengthening the global presence of Korean cinema will remain essential for maintaining market relevance.
Conclusion
The Korean film industry is actively seeking future-ready strategies amid ongoing transformation. The success of this evolution ultimately depends on the ability to meet audience expectations.
Beyond box office figures, these changes are exerting a broad cultural impact on society as a whole. Observing and adapting to these trends will be critical as the industry continues to evolve.