GITNUXREPORT 2026

Korean Media Industry Statistics

The Korean media industry is experiencing massive growth across film, television, music, and gaming.

Rajesh Patel

Team Lead & Senior Researcher with over 15 years of experience in market research and data analytics.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

Our Commitment to Accuracy

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Statistic 1

In 2023, Korean OTT market size was 4.5 trillion KRW, growing 20%.

Statistic 2

Netflix Korea subscribers: 7 million.

Statistic 3

Wavve user base: 10 million MAU.

Statistic 4

Tving revenue: 800 billion KRW.

Statistic 5

Webtoon global users: 170 million.

Statistic 6

Naver Webtoon revenue: 1 trillion KRW.

Statistic 7

Disney+ Korea originals investment: $500 million.

Statistic 8

YouTube Korea watch hours: 50 billion monthly.

Statistic 9

Kakao TV drama views: 5 billion.

Statistic 10

IPTV subscribers: 18 million households.

Statistic 11

Coupang Play growth: 300% subscribers to 3 million.

Statistic 12

Short-form video market: 2 trillion KRW.

Statistic 13

Podcast listeners: 15 million monthly.

Statistic 14

VOD market share 80% of video consumption.

Statistic 15

Watcha subscribers: 2.5 million.

Statistic 16

Kakao Entertainment content exports via streaming: $200 million.

Statistic 17

TikTok Korea users: 20 million.

Statistic 18

Animated webtoons turned series: 50 on Netflix.

Statistic 19

SVOD ARPU: 10,000 KRW monthly.

Statistic 20

User-generated content platforms revenue: 1.5 trillion KRW.

Statistic 21

AfreecaTV streamers: 500,000 active.

Statistic 22

Chzzk (Naver) live views: 1 billion monthly.

Statistic 23

E-book market: 700 billion KRW.

Statistic 24

Social media ad spend on media: 3 trillion KRW.

Statistic 25

Global webnovel apps (Ridibooks): 10 million users.

Statistic 26

OTT penetration rate: 75% of households.

Statistic 27

Interactive streaming features adoption: 40% growth.

Statistic 28

Audio content market (podcasts/audiobooks): 300 billion KRW.

Statistic 29

In 2023, South Korea's film industry generated a total box office revenue of 1.43 trillion KRW, marking a 20.8% increase from 2022.

Statistic 30

The number of Korean films released in 2023 reached 1,069, up 12.3% from the previous year.

Statistic 31

'Exhuma' became the highest-grossing Korean film of 2023 with 14.65 million admissions.

Statistic 32

Korean films accounted for 63.1% domestic market share in 2023.

Statistic 33

Average ticket price for movies in South Korea in 2023 was 13,000 KRW.

Statistic 34

Number of movie theaters in South Korea reached 2,367 in 2023.

Statistic 35

CJ ENM's film division revenue in 2023 was 1.2 trillion KRW.

Statistic 36

Korean film exports generated $128 million in 2023.

Statistic 37

Parasite's global earnings exceeded $260 million, highest for Korean film ever.

Statistic 38

In 2022, top 10 Korean films grossed over 800 billion KRW combined.

Statistic 39

Screen count per capita in South Korea is 0.046, among highest globally.

Statistic 40

2023 saw 110 million total cinema admissions in South Korea.

Statistic 41

Lotte Entertainment distributed 45 films in 2023.

Statistic 42

NEW's share of domestic box office was 25% in 2023.

Statistic 43

Korean independent films numbered 152 in 2023.

Statistic 44

Film production investment by government was 150 billion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 45

3D films accounted for 15% of releases in 2023.

Statistic 46

Women directors helmed 28% of Korean films in 2023.

Statistic 47

Average production budget for Korean blockbusters exceeded 10 billion KRW.

Statistic 48

Overseas sales for 'The Roundup' series topped $50 million.

Statistic 49

IMAX screenings contributed 5% to total box office.

Statistic 50

Film festivals like BIFF screened 278 films in 2023.

Statistic 51

VFX spending in Korean films rose 30% YoY to 200 billion KRW.

Statistic 52

Top actor fees averaged 500 million KRW per film.

Statistic 53

Digital distribution platforms took 40% of film revenue.

Statistic 54

Korean horror films grossed 300 billion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 55

Co-productions with China numbered 12 in 2023.

Statistic 56

Film piracy losses estimated at 500 billion KRW annually.

Statistic 57

Netflix invested $2.5 billion in Korean films 2016-2023.

Statistic 58

2023 Oscar win boosted Korean film exports by 25%.

Statistic 59

In 2023, Korean gaming industry revenue hit 24.8 trillion KRW, 9.2% growth.

Statistic 60

Nexon revenue: 3.5 trillion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 61

PUBG Mobile downloads: 1 billion worldwide.

Statistic 62

NCsoft's Lineage series revenue: 2 trillion KRW cumulative.

Statistic 63

Mobile gaming share: 70% of market.

Statistic 64

Esports prize pools for Korean teams: $50 million.

Statistic 65

Netmarble user base: 200 million MAU.

Statistic 66

PC bangs numbered 28,000 with 1,200 screens average.

Statistic 67

Kakao Games revenue growth 25% to 500 billion KRW.

Statistic 68

Lost Ark peak concurrent players: 1.3 million.

Statistic 69

Gaming exports: 18 trillion KRW (72% of revenue).

Statistic 70

Smilegate's Epic Seven revenue: $1 billion lifetime.

Statistic 71

League of Legends Worlds viewership: 6.4 million peak.

Statistic 72

Console market: 10% share, growing 15%.

Statistic 73

Krafton revenue: 2.2 trillion KRW.

Statistic 74

VR/AR gaming investment: 300 billion KRW.

Statistic 75

Game developer count: 3,500 studios.

Statistic 76

MapleStory 20th anniversary revenue spike 50%.

Statistic 77

Cloud gaming users: 10 million.

Statistic 78

Blockbuster games like Odin: Valhalla Rising pre-reg 5 million.

Statistic 79

Esports league LCK average viewers 200,000.

Statistic 80

Female gamers: 45% of total population.

Statistic 81

NFT/blockchain games revenue: 500 billion KRW.

Statistic 82

Com2uS Summoners War downloads 200 million.

Statistic 83

Gaming stock index (K-GAME) up 30%.

Statistic 84

Overseas revenue from MMORPGs: 10 trillion KRW.

Statistic 85

Indie games festival (GDC Korea) featured 500 titles.

Statistic 86

In 2023, K-pop industry revenue reached 6.9 trillion KRW, up 10.5% YoY.

Statistic 87

BTS generated $5 billion in economic value for Korea 2014-2023.

Statistic 88

HYBE's 2023 revenue was 2.18 trillion KRW.

Statistic 89

Number of K-pop albums sold in 2023: 78.6 million units.

Statistic 90

BLACKPINK's 'Born Pink' sold 2.2 million copies worldwide.

Statistic 91

Concert market size: 1.5 trillion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 92

Overseas K-pop revenue: 4.5 trillion KRW (65% of total).

Statistic 93

SM Entertainment idols numbered 30 active groups.

Statistic 94

Spotify streams for K-pop: 20 billion in 2023.

Statistic 95

Trainee system costs average 300 million KRW per idol.

Statistic 96

YG Entertainment revenue: 500 billion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 97

K-pop exports to Japan: $1.2 billion annually.

Statistic 98

Number of K-pop world tours: 50 in 2023.

Statistic 99

Merchandise sales: 1 trillion KRW.

Statistic 100

NewJeans' debut album sales: 1.5 million in first month.

Statistic 101

IFPI ranks K-pop as #1 global growth genre.

Statistic 102

JYP Entertainment's Stray Kids arena tours sold out 1 million tickets.

Statistic 103

Digital music revenue: 800 billion KRW (11% growth).

Statistic 104

Fan club memberships: 20 million worldwide.

Statistic 105

SEVENTEEN's 'FML' sold 4.5 million copies, record.

Statistic 106

K-pop YouTube views: 100 billion annually.

Statistic 107

Agency stock values: HYBE $10 billion market cap.

Statistic 108

Solo artist revenue share: 20% of total.

Statistic 109

TikTok virality drove 30% of K-pop hits.

Statistic 110

Phonograph records production: 150 million units.

Statistic 111

K-pop in Metaverse revenue: 100 billion KRW.

Statistic 112

Twice's Japan dome concerts: 200,000 attendees.

Statistic 113

Streaming platforms 70% of music consumption.

Statistic 114

In 2023, South Korean TV dramas exported to 190 countries, generating $300 million in overseas sales.

Statistic 115

Netflix's 'Squid Game' season 1 garnered 1.65 billion viewing hours in first 28 days.

Statistic 116

KBS aired 52 new dramas in 2023 with average rating of 8.5%.

Statistic 117

JTBC's dramas achieved 15% market share in 2023.

Statistic 118

Number of cable TV channels reached 500 in South Korea by 2023.

Statistic 119

tvN topped ratings with 'Queen of Tears' at 24.9% peak.

Statistic 120

Drama production costs averaged 20 billion KRW per series in 2023.

Statistic 121

Overseas licensing fees for K-dramas rose 15% to $250 million.

Statistic 122

MBC's 'Doctor Cha' exported to 120 countries.

Statistic 123

Streaming platforms captured 60% of drama viewership in 2023.

Statistic 124

Female-led dramas increased to 40% of total productions.

Statistic 125

SBS dramas averaged 10.2% nationwide ratings in 2023.

Statistic 126

Web-drama market size hit 500 billion KRW.

Statistic 127

'Crash Landing on You' generated $900 million in economic impact.

Statistic 128

Drama OST sales contributed 100 billion KRW to music revenue.

Statistic 129

Terrestrial TV share dropped to 35% from 50% in 2019.

Statistic 130

ENA channel's 'The Good Bad Mother' hit 18.7% rating.

Statistic 131

K-drama actors' average fee per episode: 100 million KRW.

Statistic 132

Disney+ launched 12 Korean originals in 2023.

Statistic 133

Historical sageuk dramas declined to 10% of airings.

Statistic 134

Viewer demographics: 20-39 age group 55% of drama watchers.

Statistic 135

Remakes of foreign dramas: 25 in 2023.

Statistic 136

Viki (Rakuten) streamed 500 K-dramas globally.

Statistic 137

Public broadcaster funding for dramas: 300 billion KRW.

Statistic 138

Peak live drama ratings hit 30% for 'Reborn Rich'.

Statistic 139

International co-productions: 15 dramas in 2023.

1/139

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From smashing box office records and captivating global audiences with viral dramas to shaping the very pulse of pop culture through chart-topping music and cutting-edge gaming, South Korea's media industry isn't just growing—it's dynamically reshaping the global entertainment landscape.

Key Takeaways

In 2023, South Korea's film industry generated a total box office revenue of 1.43 trillion KRW, marking a 20.8% increase from 2022.
The number of Korean films released in 2023 reached 1,069, up 12.3% from the previous year.
'Exhuma' became the highest-grossing Korean film of 2023 with 14.65 million admissions.
In 2023, South Korean TV dramas exported to 190 countries, generating $300 million in overseas sales.
Netflix's 'Squid Game' season 1 garnered 1.65 billion viewing hours in first 28 days.
KBS aired 52 new dramas in 2023 with average rating of 8.5%.
In 2023, K-pop industry revenue reached 6.9 trillion KRW, up 10.5% YoY.
BTS generated $5 billion in economic value for Korea 2014-2023.
HYBE's 2023 revenue was 2.18 trillion KRW.
In 2023, Korean gaming industry revenue hit 24.8 trillion KRW, 9.2% growth.
Nexon revenue: 3.5 trillion KRW in 2023.
PUBG Mobile downloads: 1 billion worldwide.
In 2023, Korean OTT market size was 4.5 trillion KRW, growing 20%.
Netflix Korea subscribers: 7 million.
Wavve user base: 10 million MAU.

The Korean media industry is experiencing massive growth across film, television, music, and gaming.

Digital Media and Streaming

In 2023, Korean OTT market size was 4.5 trillion KRW, growing 20%.
Netflix Korea subscribers: 7 million.
Wavve user base: 10 million MAU.
Tving revenue: 800 billion KRW.
Webtoon global users: 170 million.
Naver Webtoon revenue: 1 trillion KRW.
Disney+ Korea originals investment: $500 million.
YouTube Korea watch hours: 50 billion monthly.
Kakao TV drama views: 5 billion.
IPTV subscribers: 18 million households.
Coupang Play growth: 300% subscribers to 3 million.
Short-form video market: 2 trillion KRW.
Podcast listeners: 15 million monthly.
VOD market share 80% of video consumption.
Watcha subscribers: 2.5 million.
Kakao Entertainment content exports via streaming: $200 million.
TikTok Korea users: 20 million.
Animated webtoons turned series: 50 on Netflix.
SVOD ARPU: 10,000 KRW monthly.
User-generated content platforms revenue: 1.5 trillion KRW.
AfreecaTV streamers: 500,000 active.
Chzzk (Naver) live views: 1 billion monthly.
E-book market: 700 billion KRW.
Social media ad spend on media: 3 trillion KRW.
Global webnovel apps (Ridibooks): 10 million users.
OTT penetration rate: 75% of households.
Interactive streaming features adoption: 40% growth.
Audio content market (podcasts/audiobooks): 300 billion KRW.

Digital Media and Streaming Interpretation

Despite Netflix’s tightening grip and Disney’s lavish spending, the real drama in Korea’s 4.5 trillion won OTT arena is the explosive, democratic chaos beneath—where 500,000 streamers, 5 billion drama views, and a global webtoon army prove that user-generated content is the true kingmaker.

Film Industry

In 2023, South Korea's film industry generated a total box office revenue of 1.43 trillion KRW, marking a 20.8% increase from 2022.
The number of Korean films released in 2023 reached 1,069, up 12.3% from the previous year.
'Exhuma' became the highest-grossing Korean film of 2023 with 14.65 million admissions.
Korean films accounted for 63.1% domestic market share in 2023.
Average ticket price for movies in South Korea in 2023 was 13,000 KRW.
Number of movie theaters in South Korea reached 2,367 in 2023.
CJ ENM's film division revenue in 2023 was 1.2 trillion KRW.
Korean film exports generated $128 million in 2023.
Parasite's global earnings exceeded $260 million, highest for Korean film ever.
In 2022, top 10 Korean films grossed over 800 billion KRW combined.
Screen count per capita in South Korea is 0.046, among highest globally.
2023 saw 110 million total cinema admissions in South Korea.
Lotte Entertainment distributed 45 films in 2023.
NEW's share of domestic box office was 25% in 2023.
Korean independent films numbered 152 in 2023.
Film production investment by government was 150 billion KRW in 2023.
3D films accounted for 15% of releases in 2023.
Women directors helmed 28% of Korean films in 2023.
Average production budget for Korean blockbusters exceeded 10 billion KRW.
Overseas sales for 'The Roundup' series topped $50 million.
IMAX screenings contributed 5% to total box office.
Film festivals like BIFF screened 278 films in 2023.
VFX spending in Korean films rose 30% YoY to 200 billion KRW.
Top actor fees averaged 500 million KRW per film.
Digital distribution platforms took 40% of film revenue.
Korean horror films grossed 300 billion KRW in 2023.
Co-productions with China numbered 12 in 2023.
Film piracy losses estimated at 500 billion KRW annually.
Netflix invested $2.5 billion in Korean films 2016-2023.
2023 Oscar win boosted Korean film exports by 25%.

Film Industry Interpretation

While South Korea's film industry is booming at the box office and battling piracy at sea level, it's clear that the world is now happily paying a premium to see the meticulous, high-stakes chaos Koreans have always known was happening in their own basements.

Gaming Industry

In 2023, Korean gaming industry revenue hit 24.8 trillion KRW, 9.2% growth.
Nexon revenue: 3.5 trillion KRW in 2023.
PUBG Mobile downloads: 1 billion worldwide.
NCsoft's Lineage series revenue: 2 trillion KRW cumulative.
Mobile gaming share: 70% of market.
Esports prize pools for Korean teams: $50 million.
Netmarble user base: 200 million MAU.
PC bangs numbered 28,000 with 1,200 screens average.
Kakao Games revenue growth 25% to 500 billion KRW.
Lost Ark peak concurrent players: 1.3 million.
Gaming exports: 18 trillion KRW (72% of revenue).
Smilegate's Epic Seven revenue: $1 billion lifetime.
League of Legends Worlds viewership: 6.4 million peak.
Console market: 10% share, growing 15%.
Krafton revenue: 2.2 trillion KRW.
VR/AR gaming investment: 300 billion KRW.
Game developer count: 3,500 studios.
MapleStory 20th anniversary revenue spike 50%.
Cloud gaming users: 10 million.
Blockbuster games like Odin: Valhalla Rising pre-reg 5 million.
Esports league LCK average viewers 200,000.
Female gamers: 45% of total population.
NFT/blockchain games revenue: 500 billion KRW.
Com2uS Summoners War downloads 200 million.
Gaming stock index (K-GAME) up 30%.
Overseas revenue from MMORPGs: 10 trillion KRW.
Indie games festival (GDC Korea) featured 500 titles.

Gaming Industry Interpretation

While South Korea's gaming industry flexes its muscles globally, hitting record revenues and downloads, it is a kingdom truly built by and for mobile gamers, yet its ambitious heart is increasingly beating in the competitive arenas of esports, the persistent glow of PC bangs, and the burgeoning frontiers of VR, consoles, and blockchain.

Music Industry

In 2023, K-pop industry revenue reached 6.9 trillion KRW, up 10.5% YoY.
BTS generated $5 billion in economic value for Korea 2014-2023.
HYBE's 2023 revenue was 2.18 trillion KRW.
Number of K-pop albums sold in 2023: 78.6 million units.
BLACKPINK's 'Born Pink' sold 2.2 million copies worldwide.
Concert market size: 1.5 trillion KRW in 2023.
Overseas K-pop revenue: 4.5 trillion KRW (65% of total).
SM Entertainment idols numbered 30 active groups.
Spotify streams for K-pop: 20 billion in 2023.
Trainee system costs average 300 million KRW per idol.
YG Entertainment revenue: 500 billion KRW in 2023.
K-pop exports to Japan: $1.2 billion annually.
Number of K-pop world tours: 50 in 2023.
Merchandise sales: 1 trillion KRW.
NewJeans' debut album sales: 1.5 million in first month.
IFPI ranks K-pop as #1 global growth genre.
JYP Entertainment's Stray Kids arena tours sold out 1 million tickets.
Digital music revenue: 800 billion KRW (11% growth).
Fan club memberships: 20 million worldwide.
SEVENTEEN's 'FML' sold 4.5 million copies, record.
K-pop YouTube views: 100 billion annually.
Agency stock values: HYBE $10 billion market cap.
Solo artist revenue share: 20% of total.
TikTok virality drove 30% of K-pop hits.
Phonograph records production: 150 million units.
K-pop in Metaverse revenue: 100 billion KRW.
Twice's Japan dome concerts: 200,000 attendees.
Streaming platforms 70% of music consumption.

Music Industry Interpretation

While the trainee system grinds out idols at a cost of 300 million KRW apiece, the global obsession they fuel has transformed K-pop into a cultural export juggernaut, generating 6.9 trillion KRW in revenue and proving that 20 billion Spotify streams, 100 billion YouTube views, and sold-out world tours are a very serious, multi-trillion won business.

Television and Drama

In 2023, South Korean TV dramas exported to 190 countries, generating $300 million in overseas sales.
Netflix's 'Squid Game' season 1 garnered 1.65 billion viewing hours in first 28 days.
KBS aired 52 new dramas in 2023 with average rating of 8.5%.
JTBC's dramas achieved 15% market share in 2023.
Number of cable TV channels reached 500 in South Korea by 2023.
tvN topped ratings with 'Queen of Tears' at 24.9% peak.
Drama production costs averaged 20 billion KRW per series in 2023.
Overseas licensing fees for K-dramas rose 15% to $250 million.
MBC's 'Doctor Cha' exported to 120 countries.
Streaming platforms captured 60% of drama viewership in 2023.
Female-led dramas increased to 40% of total productions.
SBS dramas averaged 10.2% nationwide ratings in 2023.
Web-drama market size hit 500 billion KRW.
'Crash Landing on You' generated $900 million in economic impact.
Drama OST sales contributed 100 billion KRW to music revenue.
Terrestrial TV share dropped to 35% from 50% in 2019.
ENA channel's 'The Good Bad Mother' hit 18.7% rating.
K-drama actors' average fee per episode: 100 million KRW.
Disney+ launched 12 Korean originals in 2023.
Historical sageuk dramas declined to 10% of airings.
Viewer demographics: 20-39 age group 55% of drama watchers.
Remakes of foreign dramas: 25 in 2023.
Viki (Rakuten) streamed 500 K-dramas globally.
Public broadcaster funding for dramas: 300 billion KRW.
Peak live drama ratings hit 30% for 'Reborn Rich'.
International co-productions: 15 dramas in 2023.

Television and Drama Interpretation

South Korea's drama industry is now a high-stakes global factory, churning out premium content for a digital world where a single series can be an economic tsunami, even as a ferocious battle for eyeballs at home forces networks to fight over every percentage point of a shrinking terrestrial pie.

Sources & References

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