Where does Netflix turn when it runs out of American programming? And where does it turn after that?
The Big Picture The South Korean series Squid Game, created by Hwang Dong-hyuk, was a portrait of the human condition under the relentless grind of capitalism. Its wrenching, relatable drama helped make the show a record-breaking success for its distributor Netflix. We’d overcome Bong Joon-ho’s “one-inch tall barrier” and opened ourselves to an exciting new world of entertainment. It would be a victory, but of course, Squid Game was also dubbed.
Earlier this month, the Los Angeles Times reported that the Korea Broadcasting Actors Union was having it out with the streaming giant. Or rather, whatever comes before the “out,” as Netflix won’t even pick up the phone. Union president Song Chang-gon is frustrated that the streamer doesn’t pay royalties – or “residuals” – to South Korean talent.
For fans of hallyu, South Korean pop culture, a tragic story like that is shocking but not surprising. K-pop will make global headlines as often for a major world tour as it will for the suicide of a high-profile idol. In K-dramas, scenes and discussions of suicide are frank and recurring, reflecting a national rate that’s the highest among OECD countries. It’s the dramatizations of classroom or workplace competition that lead to bullying and violence.
Potential Labor Action Wouldn’t Be South Korea’s First Protest However, workers in the South Korean entertainment industry are no strangers to fighting back, as indicated by the historical clashes over the screen quota system. In 1967, a little over a decade after the armistice agreement with North Korea, the government introduced a quota system, mandating that movie theaters show South Korean movies for a certain number of days per year.
Choi Min-sik, the star of Oldboy, took part in the protest when pressure mounted again in 2006, and the South Korean government considered reducing the quota from 146 to 73 days as part of a U.S. trade agreement. He dropped out of the film industry, which cost us four years of world-class performances.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
This Upsetting New Drama About The Opioid Crisis Is The Top Show On NetflixA new docuseries focused on women in hip-hop and a reality show about dating with Down syndrome are also trending on the streaming service.
Read more »
I Don’t Expect Anyone to Believe Me Teaser Trailer Previews Netflix’s Twisty Crime DramaThe teaser trailer for I Don’t Expect Anyone to Believe Me previews Netflix’s upcoming twisty crime drama, which is based on the novel by Juan Pablo Villalobos.
Read more »
School district uses ChatGPT to help remove library booksFaced with new legislation, Iowa's Mason City Community School District asked ChatGPT if certain books 'contain a description or depiction of a sex act.'
Read more »
Dolly Parton to visit Olympia to celebrate 65,000 enrolled WA children for Imagination LibraryThe Imagination Library, which started in 1995, offers all Washington children from birth to age five a free book every month.
Read more »
Dear Abby: Parents are wrapped up in son’s high school dating dramaWe feel betrayed. Are we overreacting?
Read more »
Harley Quinn: Black + White + Redder #2 Preview: Diner DramaReady for a wild ride? Harley Quinn: Black + White + Redder 2 is dropping on August 15th. From pet shows to diner dates, get ready for Gotham's zaniest adventures yet! HarleyQuinn DCComics NewComicTuesday
Read more »