Seen is a collage of posters for Netflix collection sequels. The platform faces the problem of breaking the cycle of poor opinions for its season-based content material. Courtesy of Netflix
Can ‘Squid Recreation 2’ break streak of underwhelming Netflix follow-ups?
By KTimes
Netflix faces mounting stress to interrupt the cycle of disappointing performances from its collection sequels. Regardless of excessive expectations for second seasons of in style exhibits like “Candy House,” “Gyeongseong Creature” and “D.P.,” these follow-ups have struggled to duplicate the success of its predecessors.
Even “Hellbound” Season 2, launched with excessive hopes, was met with a lukewarm response, elevating questions on whether or not Netflix is focusing an excessive amount of on sequels primarily based on recognition and never sufficient on high quality.
Season-based productions, initially frequent in Hollywood and world markets, have since expanded to Korean streaming platforms, creating a brand new development in Ok-dramas. This development led to the expectation that any hit present would mechanically obtain a sequel.
Nonetheless, latest Netflix seasons have drawn criticism for failing to measure up, with some questioning the method and imaginative and prescient of the platform itself.
Season-based collection have clear benefits: IP (mental property) utilization and a assured loyal viewer base, each of which encourage studios to pursue sequels. Amid Korea’s present unstable manufacturing panorama, season-based tales provide comparatively steady returns.
“Squid Recreation” Season 2 director Hwang Dong-hyuk and lead actor Lee Jung-jae speak to the media at a particular occasion for the collection in Los Angeles, Nov. 3. Reuters-Yonhap
Nonetheless, sequels created and not using a long-term imaginative and prescient for world-building and character consistency can wrestle to keep up high quality — a actuality exemplified by Netflix’s latest lineup.
Hits like “D.P.” Season 2, “Candy House” Seasons 2 and three, “Gyeongseong Creature 2,” “Hellbound” Season 2, and even the movie sequel “Believer 2” have all underperformed in comparison with their originals.
Though every of those collection confronted distinctive challenges, none succeeded in producing a sequel that surpassed its predecessor.
Critics fear that the poor reception of those sequels may additionally hurt the picture of Ok-content as a complete.
Whereas Netflix has spent practically a decade investing in Korean content material, 2023 has seen a notable slowdown, with no important new breakout collection to comply with the worldwide impression of “Squid Recreation” and “The Glory.”
In an interview, director Yeon Sang-ho highlighted the restrictions of Korea’s season-based manufacturing mannequin.
“To provide a correct season format, we’d like extra time,” he mentioned. “When engaged on ‘Hellbound’ Season 2, I discovered myself questioning, ‘Does our tempo match the viewers’s expectations?’ Presently, the Korean mannequin concentrates artistic efforts on one or two lead creators per collection. For a profitable season format, we’d like a structured system just like the one overseas. However in Korea, such a system doesn’t exist but, and there are actual doubts concerning the feasibility of making one.”
He continued, “Constructing a wholly new system in an business that has by no means had one is a gigantic problem. Proper now, Korea is in a transition section.”
Jang Tae-sang (Park Search engine optimization-joon) is tortured by the Japanese navy within the Netflix collection “Gyeongseong Creature.” Courtesy of Netflix
Wanting on the broader image, it’s clear that if Ok-drama IP is for use efficiently within the long-term, Korea will want a system that effectively helps its artistic groups.
The business is now carefully watching the upcoming launch of “Squid Recreation” Season 2, hoping it will probably break the development and produce renewed success to Korean content material on a worldwide stage.
This text from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Instances, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Instances.
