Even before Netflix’s global hit “Squid Game,” South Korean dramas (K-dramas) had been enhancing the country’s cultural influence internationally. However, despite their rising popularity, the industry has faced a sharp production decline, sparking concerns about its sustainability.

Media experts warn that the rigidity of drama production and the disruptive influence of over-the-top (OTT) platforms — media services that deliver content directly over the internet — could lead to further instability in the industry.