South Korean actress Han Hyo-joo's starring role in a Netflix Japan original series has captured global attention and sparked interest from Hollywood producers, highlighting the growing trend of Korean creative talent leading international collaborations. The drama "Romantics Anonymous," released on October 16, has achieved remarkable success both domestically and internationally, topping Netflix Japan's TV series chart and ranking sixth globally on the platform's Tudum list as of Tuesday.
The series tells the story of a man suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder and a talented chocolatier with social anxiety, played by Han Hyo-joo. Despite being classified as a Japanese drama, the production carries distinctly Korean dramatic elements, including themes of inheritance battles, love triangles, and emotional redemption that resonate with K-drama audiences worldwide. The show's emotional appeal is further enhanced by its soundtrack, featuring Park Hye-kyung's "Confession," which fans describe as having "a taste we already know."
What makes "Romantics Anonymous" particularly noteworthy is its unique production structure. While directed by a Japanese filmmaker, the series was planned and produced by Korea's Yong Film, with a Korean writer penning the script. This collaborative approach successfully blends Japan's understated cinematic style with the emotional intensity characteristic of Korean storytelling, creating a hybrid format that appeals to diverse international audiences.
The success of "Romantics Anonymous" exemplifies the growing "With K" trend – cross-border collaborations that leverage the global appeal of Korean creators and production systems. This phenomenon extends beyond Japan, with Korean partnerships flourishing across Asia and reaching into Western markets. The Korea-Vietnam joint film "Leaving Mom" serves as another prime example, having become a box-office sensation in Vietnam where it topped local charts for 15 consecutive days before its scheduled release in Korea. This three-year collaborative project brought together producers, investors, and actors from both countries.
Major entertainment companies are increasingly recognizing the value of Korean partnerships. CJ ENM and Japan's TBS, which co-produced the survival show "Infinite Loop" earlier this year, are now preparing another joint project titled "Synchro," described as a brain survival game show. These collaborations are driven by concrete data demonstrating Korean content's global appeal – in the second half of last year alone, Korean shows accounted for approximately 7.7 billion viewing hours, representing 8 percent of all Netflix viewing time and ranking first among non-U.S. countries.
The rising global demand for Korean partnerships stems from the proven track record of K-content success. Following breakthrough hits like the animated film "KPop Demon Hunters" and the drama "Bon Appetit, Your Majesty," industry interest in Korean collaborations continues to accelerate. A film industry insider revealed the evolution of this trend: "After 'Parasite,' Hollywood started revisiting old Korean scripts in storage. Now, after 'KPop Demon Hunters,' joint production proposals are increasing even more."
Major studios are now moving beyond individual projects to establish comprehensive corporate alliances. CJ ENM recently signed strategic partnerships with Amazon Prime Video in May and has entered into agreements with Warner Bros. Meanwhile, WBD, which owns Warner Bros. and HBO, plans to invest directly in K-content production. CJ ENM also aims to establish a "Tving Zone" within HBO Max to expand its presence across the Asia-Pacific region, demonstrating the scale of commitment to Korean content integration.
According to a CJ ENM official, this shift represents a fundamental change in global media strategy: "'With K' is no longer a trend but a core strategy for global media growth. We plan to develop diverse joint intellectual properties and create a system that gives Korean creators greater opportunities in the global market." This systematic approach suggests that Korean creative influence will continue expanding, potentially reshaping how international entertainment content is conceived, produced, and distributed in the coming years.
