Hallyu Content Knocks on the Door of the Middle East and North Africa

Operation of Korean Joint Pavilion at Dubai International Content Market

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Creative Content Agency announced on the 21st that they will knock on the doors of the Middle East and North Africa at the 'Dubai International Content Market (DICM)' on the 23rd and 24th. A Korean joint pavilion will be set up, and Hallyu content screenings and other events will be held.

This event is being promoted to meet the recently increased demand for Hallyu in the Middle East and North Africa. Five broadcasting content companies, including CJ ENM, SLL, KBS Media, and PH E&M, will participate and showcase twelve pieces of content such as 'Wolsugumhwamokto', 'Green Mothers' Club', 'Brain Cooperation', and 'Jjanna Idol'. Park Yong-cheol, Director of the Media Policy Bureau at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said, "We are witnessing that 'content is the battleground' through the global popularity and export achievements of Hallyu content," adding, "We plan to actively support the overseas expansion of our content to continuously drive the popularity of Hallyu content."

The increased demand was also confirmed at 'MIPCOM', held in Cannes, France from the 17th to the 20th of last month. Seventeen domestic companies achieved export results of $16.64 million (approximately 22.05 billion KRW), an increase of 105.9% compared to the previous year. MIPCOM is the world's largest broadcasting and video content market. This year, 321 companies from 108 countries, 10,896 related personnel, and 3,100 buyers participated.

Domestic companies led with sixty content titles and signed various export contracts. 'King of Mask Singer', which has already recorded the highest ratings ever in Germany, the United States, and Australia, was additionally sold to South Africa, and MBN signed an option contract with Germany's Treasure TV for 'Battle in the Box'. An option contract refers to a deal that grants the right to produce and supply format programs to broadcasters and sell them.

In addition, the drama 'Jaebeoljip Maknae Adeul' expanded its reach to global online streaming services (OTT). Dramas such as 'Train' and 'Goei', and the documentary 'The Snake That Swallowed the Light' were also traded in the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.