Hollywood's New Playbook: Inside the Hunt for Korean Originals

LOS ANGELES, CA – December 10, 2025 – By Alexander Harris

A palpable buzz filled the Korea Center in Los Angeles on November 14th as the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) hosted its 2025 K-Content Originals Showcase. The event was more than a simple networking function; it was a clear signal of a strategic shift in global entertainment. Here, eight of South Korea’s leading media companies pitched their latest intellectual properties to a curated audience of over 60 American writers, producers, and showrunners, including prominent figures like Tomb Raider writer Sara B. Cooper and Maze Runner actor Ki Hong Lee.

The showcase was designed to bridge the Pacific, fostering direct collaboration between Korean creators and the Hollywood establishment. Through live pitches, in-depth Q&A sessions, and one-on-one business meetings, the event laid the groundwork for the next wave of international co-productions and adaptations. As U.S. participants expressed strong enthusiasm for the "originality, emotional resonance, and global potential" of the Korean projects, it became evident that the hunt for the next global hit has led directly to Seoul's vibrant creative ecosystem.

The Next Wave of Genre-Bending Narratives

Moving beyond the established successes that first captured global attention, the showcase spotlighted fresh, innovative IPs ready for the world stage. Two projects in particular, MBC America’s Oh My Ghost Clients and JUSTIPICKED’s Family Matters, exemplified the genre innovation and deep character development that has become a hallmark of modern Korean storytelling.

Oh My Ghost Clients presents a fascinating blend of supernatural fantasy, legal drama, and socially aware comedy. The series follows a reckless labor attorney, played by Jung Kyung-ho, who gains the ability to see and communicate with ghosts after a near-death experience. He takes on the unique challenge of solving the labor disputes of his deceased clients, often uncovering the unjust circumstances of their deaths. Based on real-life industrial accident cases, the story masterfully weaves poignant social commentary into its comedic and fantastical framework. Directed by the acclaimed Yim Soon-rye, the series has already garnered positive reviews for its unique premise and strong performances since its 2025 broadcast run in Korea.

Equally compelling is Family Matters, a thriller that fuses supernatural action with a dark-comedy examination of the "chosen family" trope. The series centers on a group of individuals with extraordinary abilities who pose as a family to protect themselves from a shadowy criminal organization. Led by international star Bae Doona, who plays a former covert operative with mind-hacking powers, the story delves into themes of survival, identity, and confronting trauma. Produced by a consortium including KeyEast and Monster Union, the series, which recently concluded its run on the Korean streaming service Coupang Play, has been praised for its complex characters and willingness to explore darker psychological territory. These projects demonstrate a creative confidence that continues to impress and attract Hollywood creatives looking for fresh, marketable concepts.

Hollywood's Strategic Pivot to Seoul

The intense interest from U.S. industry veterans is not accidental; it is a calculated response to overwhelming market data. The American appetite for K-Content has exploded, transforming from a niche interest into a mainstream powerhouse. Korean content now consistently ranks as the most-watched non-U.S. programming on major platforms like Netflix, which has committed a staggering $2.5 billion to Korean productions by 2028.

This investment is backed by powerful viewership trends. In 2024, the share of non-English originals on Netflix in the U.S. surpassed 50% for the first time, with Korean shows more than doubling their share of new releases. The audience is also diversifying rapidly. While once primarily popular among younger, female, and Asian-American viewers, K-dramas are now attracting a significant and growing male and Caucasian audience. This expanding demographic appeal makes Korean IPs an increasingly valuable commodity for U.S. studios seeking content with proven global reach.

The attendance of creatives like Sara B. Cooper, who has publicly expressed interest in developing co-productions between Canada and Korea, underscores this strategic pivot. For Hollywood producers, collaborating with Korean creators offers access to a pipeline of stories celebrated for their genre innovation and sophisticated character arcs—qualities that resonate deeply with audiences tired of formulaic narratives. The showcase provided a direct and efficient channel for these producers to discover projects that are not only creatively exciting but also align with the growing demand for diverse, globally-minded entertainment.

The Bedrock of Success: KOCCA's Global Strategy

This burgeoning U.S.-Korea creative partnership is not the result of happenstance but of a deliberate, long-term strategy executed by KOCCA. As a government agency dedicated to promoting Korean culture, it has spent years building the infrastructure necessary to position South Korea as a global content leader. The Los Angeles showcase is just one facet of a comprehensive global campaign that has a proven track record of success.

KOCCA has been instrumental in brokering major international deals that have brought K-Content to the forefront. The agency facilitated the co-production of the smash hit Extraordinary Attorney Woo with Netflix and brokered the deal for the platform's adaptation of the popular webtoon Hellbound. Its influence extends to animation, where it connected Disney with Korean studio Roughsketch for the 2024 series Lina and the Skywhale and supported the 2025 animated feature film Tiki Tiki.

By operating offices in key markets from the U.S. to the UAE and hosting large-scale events like the K-Content Expo—which generated over $158 million in export consultations in China alone—KOCCA acts as a vital bridge between Korean talent and international partners. Furthermore, its long-running mentorship programs have nurtured a new generation of creators, including the minds behind recent blockbusters like Pamyo. This sustained investment in both talent and business development ensures a continuous flow of high-quality, export-ready content.

The Universal Language of Storytelling

At the heart of K-Content's global ascent is its profound ability to connect with audiences across cultural and linguistic divides. Attendees at the showcase repeatedly pointed to the "emotional resonance" and "culturally rich narratives" that distinguish Korean storytelling. These stories often explore universal themes—family, justice, love, and loss—through a unique cultural lens that feels both specific and universally relatable.

This appeal has a tangible cultural impact. A recent study revealed that 61% of Netflix members reported that watching K-Content improved their perception of South Korea. This "soft power" effect extends to a heightened global interest in Korean food, fashion, beauty products, and language. The success of K-dramas on platforms like Viki, where 75% of its U.S. audience is non-Asian, proves that these stories transcend their origins.

While the specific deals emerging from the 2025 showcase remain under negotiation, the momentum is undeniable. The event served as a powerful affirmation of Korean storytelling's global influence and Hollywood's recognition of its creative and commercial value. As these two entertainment giants continue to forge closer ties, the result will likely be a new era of hybrid content that enriches the global media landscape for years to come.