The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) have released the 2025 Korea Content Export Forecast, offering insights into the export competitiveness and growth potential of K-content. Conducted with 167 experts across nine content sectors, the study provided a comprehensive analysis of the global market and detailed export prospects for K-content in regions such as China, Japan, North America, and Southeast Asia.
The survey revealed varying prospects for different content industries, with music receiving the highest score (5.5 out of 7), followed by storytelling and new technology convergence content. Broadcasting received the lowest score of 2.9, indicating significant challenges. Rising production costs for Korean dramas and over-reliance on global OTT platforms were identified as key issues. Traditional export markets like Japan and Southeast Asia have seen increased competition from other countries' dramas, further complicating the outlook. However, high-profile releases such as Ask the Stars and Motel California are expected to inject some vitality into the sector.
Games, which account for the largest share of Korean content export revenue, are predicted to maintain stable performance or see slight improvement. Upcoming global releases like First Berserker: Kazan and Enjoy are anticipated to drive growth, but challenges such as rising marketing costs and competition from Chinese games could limit significant gains.
Music remains a strong performer, driven by the global appeal of K-pop artists such as BTS, NewJeans, LE SSERAFIM, and aespa. Growth in digital music sales and international tours is expected to boost the sector further. However, KOCCA cautioned against over-reliance on idol-centric content, highlighting signs of fatigue in some markets. Diversifying music offerings could ensure long-term sustainability.
Regional prospects vary by industry. In China, while restrictions continue to limit exports in some sectors, character-based products like Jjangmang Loopy and Maltese are gaining traction. In North America and Japan, webtoons and music exports are forecast to grow, supported by K-pop's dominance and increased demand for Korean digital content. The upcoming Osaka Expo, commemorating 60 years of normalized Korea-Japan diplomatic relations, is expected to enhance K-content visibility in Japan.
KOCCA plans to implement strategies to expand K-content exports based on the report's findings. These include establishing five new overseas business centers, bringing the total to 30, and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in entering global markets. The agency will also increase K-Expo events in emerging markets such as Latin America and Eastern Europe to broaden the reach of Korean content.
In 2025, KOCCA intends to host three K-Fairs, up from two this year, strengthening partnerships between Korean content creators and global stakeholders. These events aim to tackle key challenges, such as diversifying revenue streams and reducing dependence on specific platforms or markets.
Acting President Yoo Hyun Suk emphasized the importance of K-content exports, stating that they not only boost the content industry but also elevate Korea’s national image and drive exports in related sectors. Detailed findings and strategic plans are available on KOCCA’s official website.
Sayart / Joy, nunimbos@gmail.com
Courtesy of KOCCA
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) have released the 2025 Korea Content Export Forecast, offering insights into the export competitiveness and growth potential of K-content. Conducted with 167 experts across nine content sectors, the study provided a comprehensive analysis of the global market and detailed export prospects for K-content in regions such as China, Japan, North America, and Southeast Asia.
The survey revealed varying prospects for different content industries, with music receiving the highest score (5.5 out of 7), followed by storytelling and new technology convergence content. Broadcasting received the lowest score of 2.9, indicating significant challenges. Rising production costs for Korean dramas and over-reliance on global OTT platforms were identified as key issues. Traditional export markets like Japan and Southeast Asia have seen increased competition from other countries' dramas, further complicating the outlook. However, high-profile releases such as Ask the Stars and Motel California are expected to inject some vitality into the sector.
Games, which account for the largest share of Korean content export revenue, are predicted to maintain stable performance or see slight improvement. Upcoming global releases like First Berserker: Kazan and Enjoy are anticipated to drive growth, but challenges such as rising marketing costs and competition from Chinese games could limit significant gains.
Music remains a strong performer, driven by the global appeal of K-pop artists such as BTS, NewJeans, LE SSERAFIM, and aespa. Growth in digital music sales and international tours is expected to boost the sector further. However, KOCCA cautioned against over-reliance on idol-centric content, highlighting signs of fatigue in some markets. Diversifying music offerings could ensure long-term sustainability.
Regional prospects vary by industry. In China, while restrictions continue to limit exports in some sectors, character-based products like Jjangmang Loopy and Maltese are gaining traction. In North America and Japan, webtoons and music exports are forecast to grow, supported by K-pop's dominance and increased demand for Korean digital content. The upcoming Osaka Expo, commemorating 60 years of normalized Korea-Japan diplomatic relations, is expected to enhance K-content visibility in Japan.
KOCCA plans to implement strategies to expand K-content exports based on the report's findings. These include establishing five new overseas business centers, bringing the total to 30, and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in entering global markets. The agency will also increase K-Expo events in emerging markets such as Latin America and Eastern Europe to broaden the reach of Korean content.
In 2025, KOCCA intends to host three K-Fairs, up from two this year, strengthening partnerships between Korean content creators and global stakeholders. These events aim to tackle key challenges, such as diversifying revenue streams and reducing dependence on specific platforms or markets.
Acting President Yoo Hyun Suk emphasized the importance of K-content exports, stating that they not only boost the content industry but also elevate Korea’s national image and drive exports in related sectors. Detailed findings and strategic plans are available on KOCCA’s official website.
