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New Korean drama starring Park Bo Young and Choi Woo Sik fails to gain global popularity

AKP STAFF
Posted by Sophie-Ha 21 hours ago 29,725

A drama that has topped Netflix Korea for five consecutive days since its release is failing to make a mark in the global market. This is particularly unusual given that the performance in the first week is crucial for the success of Netflix content.

Released on February 14, 'Melo Movie,' which had all 10 episodes available on Netflix, climbed to the number one spot on Korea's 'Top 10 Today in Korea' series rankings within just two days, surpassing 'The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call.' It has maintained its position at the top for five days.

However, on February 20, Netflix's official ranking site, Tudum, revealed that the show did not make it into the global non-English TV series Top 10. Currently, Korean shows on the global chart include 'The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call' at number 7 with 2.8 million views and 'Squid Game' season 2 at number 8 with 2.7 million views.

'Melo Movie' recorded far fewer views, even falling short of Brazil's 'Sintonia' season 5, which secured the last spot in the global Top 10 with 1.8 million views. The stark contrast between the domestic audience's enthusiastic response and the cold reception from international viewers is evident.

This is an unusual case for a Netflix original. It is rare for a Netflix exclusive to fail to enter the global top 10 in its first week, with other shows like 'The Fabulous,' 'Somebody,' 'Glitch,' 'Chicken Nugget,' and 'Mr. Plankton' also missing the mark. Moreover, these shows didn't make a significant impact in Korea either, making 'Melo Movie's overseas performance even more notable.

'Melo Movie' is a collaboration between actor Choi Woo Shik and writer Lee Na Eun, reuniting after their successful work on the SBS romance drama 'Our Beloved Summer.' The 2022 drama 'Our Beloved Summer' garnered immense popularity in Korea and Asia, with a peak viewership rating of 5.3%. However, the reunion in 'Melo Movie' has not generated the expected synergy, leading to mixed reviews.

Some viewers have expressed disappointment, with comparisons to a sequel of 'Our Beloved Summer.' The slow-paced development, similar character settings, and lack of a clear storyline over its 10 episodes are thought to have contributed to its global underperformance. Given that Korean romance dramas have historically done well internationally, this outcome is particularly disappointing.

For lead actress Park Bo Young, this performance is likely to add pressure. Despite her earlier success in 'Daily Dose of Sunshine' which won the Best TV Series Award at the Blue Dragon Series Awards, 'Melo Movie' also failed to break into the global rankings.

Melomovie, which follows the growth romance of young people chasing love and dreams, is directed by Oh Chung Hwan, known for 'Hotel Del Luna' and 'Start-Up.' Choi Woo Shik plays the role of Go Gyeom, a supporting actor who becomes a film critic, while Park Bo Young portrays Kim Moo Bi, a woman who enters the film industry with a love-hate relationship with her filmmaker father.

Whether 'Melo Movie' can use its popularity in Korea as a springboard to make a mark globally remains to be seen, with all eyes now on its future performance.


SEE ALSO: Choi Woo Shik's roles that showcase his Versatility

  1. Choi Woo Sik
  2. Park Bo Young
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