Backed by the worldwide popularity of K-dramas, the export volume of domestic broadcast programs last year broke the USD 500 million mark for the first time. Shown is a behind-the-scenes moment from the hit Netflix series "The Glory." (Netflix's official Facebook account)

By Lee Dasom

Exports of domestic broadcast programs last year surpassed USD 500 million for the first time.

The volume jumped 30% to a record-high USD 561.29 million last year, according to a fact-finding study on the broadcast industry this year announced by the Ministry of Science and ICT and Korea Communications Commission. 

The study said the main driver of the increase was stronger exports of K-dramas through over-the-top (OTT) platforms.

By country, Japan accounted for the largest portion of exports with 19.5%, followed by the U.S. with 8.1%, China 7.7% and Taiwan 3.4%.

Sales of broadcast exports reached an estimated KRW 19.75 trillion, up 1.8% from that of 2021. Those for terrestrial broadcasting including digital multimedia broadcasting hit KRW 4.16 trillion, a rise of KRW 166.9 billion thanks to higher sales of K-dramas through OTT.

Imports of broadcast programs totaled USD 72.9 million, with the U.S. accounting for the largest portion with 47.8% and Japan second with 46.3%. Both countries thus controlled over 90% of the figure.

Since 2000, the government has conducted this annual statistical survey on 423 broadcast business operators each with sales of KRW 100 million or more including terrestrial networks, pay channels and program providers.

dlektha0319@korea.kr