K-Dramas Experience 7% Decrease in Ratings Last Year Due to Soaring Top Star Fees

K-Dramas Experience 7% Decrease in Ratings Last Year Due to Soaring Top Star Fees

 

Kdrama Industry Woes: Broadcasters and Local OTTs Cutting Back on Dramas, While Global OTTs Expand

As a Kdrama fan, I've noticed a worrying trend in the industry lately. It seems like broadcasters and local OTT platforms are reducing the number of dramas being produced, while global OTTs are actually increasing their offerings. This not only affects the quantity of dramas available, but also the quality and diversity of the content.

In recent interviews with actors following the end of their dramas, the most common response to questions about their next project is, "I haven't decided yet." And often, the explanation that follows is that there are simply not enough dramas being produced these days. This is a concerning statement, especially considering the rapid rise in production costs and stagnant advertising market.

 

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According to the Korean Drama Production Association, the number of dramas produced by domestic broadcasters and OTTs has decreased by 7.4% from 2022 to 2021. This trend is especially evident when looking at individual broadcasters and platforms. SBS, known for its high-quality dramas, currently has no weekday dramas airing. MBC, on the other hand, has one daily drama but has not aired a weekday drama since December 2020.

This decrease in dramas is a cause for concern for both viewers and industry professionals. As a fan, I can't help but worry about the future of Kdramas. Will we continue to see a decline in the number of dramas available? Will the quality suffer as a result of budget cuts? These are all valid concerns that need to be addressed.

In my opinion, the Kdrama industry needs to find a balance between cost and content. While it's understandable that broadcasters and local OTTs are cutting back on dramas due to financial constraints, it's also important to maintain the high standard that Kdramas are known for. Global OTTs are expanding their offerings, and it's time for domestic broadcasters and OTTs to step up their game and compete on a global scale.

In conclusion, the decrease in dramas being produced by broadcasters and local OTTs is a worrying trend for the Kdrama industry. As a fan, I hope to see a solution that benefits both the industry and viewers. We need a healthy balance between quantity and quality to keep the Kdrama wave going strong.