The Korea Times

Why Korean sci-fi still struggles despite global K-content boom

In today's content market, "Made in Korea" has become a seal of quality. Global interest in Korean films, dramas and other content continues to grow, with productions ranging from subtle character-driven stories to highly stylized genre works finding success overseas. Yet Korean science fiction remains a more divisive genre. While some projects have achieved commercial success, few have earned overwhelming praise for both artistic quality and mass appeal. Netflix original series "The WONDERfools" recently climbed to No. 2 on Netflix's Global Top 10 Non-English TV Shows chart in its second week of release. The sci-fi comedy follows ordinary neighborhood residents who unexpectedly gain superpowers and must band together to protect the world from villains threatening the peace. The show's blend of superhero elements and comedy has been praised as a fresh take on the genre. However, some viewers have expressed disappointment, arguing that the narrative repeatedly circles back to unnecessary subplots rather than fully developing the characters' growth into heroes. The criticism extends beyo

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