Balancing Art and Commerce Fuels Global Success of Korean Content - Busan Panel

Achieving a balance between artistic creativity and commercial appeal was a key part of the success of Korean film and television industries, senior executives said at the Asin Contents & Film Market, held this week as part of the Busan International Film Festival.

US lead producer Ted Hope said that "being audience-focused but ambitiously creating a work of authorship" is important and that Korean filmmakers are able to tap into a wide range of emotions.

Yang Yoomin, a Korean producer who worked with successful filmmaker Yeon Sang-ho, explained why such a debate was important. She gave the example of the film industries of Hong Kong and Japan, both of which have enjoyed international success at times, but which have recently been eclipsed. Hope said Hong Kong films and Japanese animation are at opposite ends of the spectrum that stretches from commercial and art films, but said Korean stories demonstrate a balance between authorship and focused approaches. on the audience.

The business goals of global corporations, however, have created a culture of content abundance that has led to risk-averse decisions and mediocrity, said David Flynn, chief content officer at WIIP, a US-based studio that was sold last year by talent agency CAA to Korea's JTBC. He said that in such a climate, the need for quality is stronger than ever. “Creating sustainability is creating quality. This means working with great partners and creating content for the right reasons."

Flynn said the American television landscape has become more aggressive and less connected with audiences. But he praised the sophisticated script development system and urged creators to navigate the best parts of the US system through trusted contacts.

Max Michael, Asian business development manager at United Talent Agency, said streaming platforms have helped the Korean industry leap onto the world stage.

But he balanced that with a need to stay local. “Don't try to please the world. Choose your audience carefully and the best stories will rise to the top,” he said.

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