BTS, 'Running Man' most sought-after K-content in America: KOCCA
Boy band BTS is the most sought-after K-pop act in America, according to KOCCA. Courtesy of Big Hit Entertainment
By Dong Sun-hwa
K-pop megastars BTS, SBS variety show “Running Man” and tvN rom-com “What's Wrong with Secretary Kim” are the most-loved Korean content in America, according to the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), Friday.
KOCCA's U.S. office conducted an online survey in three parts ― K-pop, K-drama and K-entertainment programs ― from August to September. More than 3,000 American residents took part, disclosing their consumption patterns of Korean content. The residents ranged from Asian and Caucasian to Hispanic.
“The respondents picked BTS as their favorite K-pop act and its track 'Boy With Luv' (2019) as the most sought-after K-pop song,” KOCCA said. “They largely resort to YouTube (44.2 percent) to appreciate K-pop, but paid streaming services such as Spotify (27.4 percent) and Apple Music (12.7 percent) have seen a significant rise as well.”
KOCCA says SBS variety show “Running Man” is popular in the U.S. Courtesy of SBS
When it comes to entertainment shows, SBS's “Running Man,” JTBC's “Knowing Bros” and MBC's “Weekly Idol” won respondents' hearts. The participants also named three programs that they want to see as a remake in the U.S. ― “Running Man,” “Knowing Bros” and KBS's “Return of the Superman.”
KOCCA says tvN's drama “What's Wrong with Secretary Kim” is among the hot K-content in America. Courtesy of tvN
For drama, tvN's “What's Wrong with Secretary Kim,” “Hotel Del Luna” and “Her Private Life” are popular.
“The respondents watch the soap operas on Viki (57.7 percent), Netflix (15.3 percent) and OnDemandKorea (7.3 percent). The market share of Netflix has increased remarkably from 2016's 2.8 percent,” the agency said.
Over 58 percent of participants said they have been watching Korean TV series for more than five years. In addition, 77 percent said K-content influenced them to get more interested in Korean culture and products.
“Since the interest in Korean culture can lead to the consumption of Korean products, we should strive to create quality K-content and devise distribution strategies,” Kim Chul-min, head of the U.S. office said.
Michael Braverman, the executive producer of American production company A. Smith & Co., said understanding local people's consumption habits and patterns would be helpful in operating the business in the long run.