Kakao Entertainment has been making waves both domestically and internationally with its impressive lineup of well-crafted productions since the beginning of the year.
Starting with the January release of the film 'Dark Nuns,' followed by the March debut of the Netflix series 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' and the movie 'The Match,' Kakao Entertainment has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. The recently released Netflix series 'Karma' quickly climbed to 5th place in the Netflix Global TOP10 series (non-English) category, further cementing its success.
'When Life Gives You Tangerines' continues to enjoy immense popularity, securing the top spot in the global series (non-English) category. Both of Kakao Entertainment's new releases have made it to the Netflix Global TOP10 (March 31 - April 6), drawing significant attention.
Kakao Entertainment and its subsidiary studio labels are leveraging their unique creativity and solid production capabilities to create synergy and enhance their IP crossover expertise. By establishing a stable multi-studio system and promoting diverse co-productions between studios with different strengths, Kakao Entertainment is producing globally successful hits.
Additionally, Kakao Entertainment is adapting its popular webtoons and web novels into visual content, reinterpreting the original appeal to increase their success rate.
A prime example is the Netflix series 'Karma.' Released on April 4, it quickly rose to 5th place in the Netflix Global TOP10 series (non-English) category and entered the TOP10 in 37 countries. 'Karma' is a gripping crime thriller about six individuals entangled in inescapable fateful ties. Based on a Kakao webtoon, it was produced by Kakao Entertainment in collaboration with Wolgwang Film Company, known for energizing theaters with 'The Match,' and Baram Pictures, which captivated global audiences with 'When Life Gives You Tangerines.'
'Karma' has been praised for its outstanding performances by actors like Park Hae-soo, Shin Min-a, Lee Hee-jun, Kim Sung-kyun, Lee Kwang-soo, and Gong Seung-yeon, as well as its gripping storyline that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The series is lauded for its unique narrative that seamlessly weaves together the past and present, delivering unexpected twists and turns, making it one of the best crime thrillers of the year.
Even after its full release, the Netflix series 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' continues to enjoy a phenomenal level of popularity worldwide. Co-produced by Kakao Entertainment's studio label Baram Pictures and Pan Entertainment, the series follows the adventurous lives of the rebellious Aesoon (played by IU) and the steadfast Gwan-sik (played by Park Bo-gum) through the four seasons, portraying relatable family stories with realism and detail.
Released over four weeks, 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' consistently ranked high in the Netflix Global series (non-English) category, winning hearts across generations and borders. It remains at the top of the Global TOP10 series (non-English) category, ranking 1st in 40 countries, maintaining its enduring popularity.
Kakao Entertainment is also achieving great success in theaters with its diverse lineup of new films.
Released on March 26, the film 'The Match' was produced by Kakao Entertainment's studio label Wolgwang Film Company, with BH Entertainment co-producing. It tells the story of Korea's legendary Go player Cho Hun-hyun (played by Lee Byung-hun) as he challenges himself to reclaim his title after losing to his disciple.
True to its basis on real-life figures, the film features meticulously researched scenes, a solid script, and detailed direction, offering a rich viewing experience. The stellar performances by Lee Byung-hun and other talented actors enhance the film's quality, captivating audiences. 'The Match' has maintained the top spot at the box office for 19 consecutive days, surpassing 1.8 million viewers as of April 13, continuing its upward trend.
Previously released in January, 'Dark Nuns' (directed by Kwon Hyuk-jae) was produced by Studio House, recording 1.67 million viewers and revitalizing theaters. The film, which tells the story of people trying to save a boy possessed by a powerful demon, was pre-sold to 160 countries, garnering attention. It surpassed 1 million viewers in Indonesia, ranking second among Korean films released there, and topped the box office in the Philippines for two consecutive weeks. It has been invited to compete at the 27th Udine Far East Film Festival on April 24, continuing its global journey.
Kakao Entertainment plans to continue its success in 2025 with a lineup of well-crafted productions. The new MBC Friday-Saturday drama 'Crushology 101,' which premiered on April 11, follows Bunny (played by Roh Jeong-eui) as she navigates a romantic journey with charming men after a disastrous first love. Based on a Kakao webtoon with 170 million views, it will be simultaneously released in 106 countries across North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, reaching global audiences.
The Disney+ original series 'Nine Puzzles,' starring Kim Da-mi and Son Seok-gu, is set to be released in the first half of the year. Directed by Yoon Jong-bin, following his work on 'Narco-Saints,' the series is a mystery thriller that delves into the secrets of a serial murder case, generating anticipation.
Additionally, Kakao Entertainment plans to release a variety of well-crafted productions across different genres, including the Netflix series 'You and Everything Else' starring Kim Go-eun and Park Ji-hyun, the SBS drama 'The Mantis: Original Sin' featuring Go Hyun-jung and Jang Dong-yoon, and the KBS2 drama 'Eun-soo's Good Day' starring Lee Young-ae, Kim Young-kwang, and Park Yong-woo.
Kakao Entertainment stated, "From IP crossover projects based on story IPs to the synergy between our headquarters and studio labels, we aim to deliver a diverse range of well-crafted productions that bring laughter and emotion to audiences worldwide."
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)