Turkey is rapidly becoming a pivotal distribution channel for Korean and Japanese television dramas, reshaping the global entertainment landscape. (Image courtesy of MF Yapim)
SEOUL, Aug. 14 (Korea Bizwire) – Turkey is rapidly becoming a pivotal distribution channel for Korean and Japanese television dramas, reshaping the global entertainment landscape.
As the world’s third-largest exporter of TV series, trailing only the United States and the United Kingdom, Turkish producers are increasingly turning to foreign dramas for inspiration, creating innovative content that resonates both domestically and internationally.
The Nikkei reported on August 10 that Turkish remakes of Korean and Japanese dramas are finding success not only within Turkey but are also being exported to European markets and beyond. This trend underscores Turkey’s growing influence in the global television industry.
A prime example of this phenomenon is “Bahar” (meaning “Spring” in Turkish), which has become Turkey’s most popular drama this year.
Based on the 2023 JTBC series “Doctor Cha,” “Bahar” has dominated ratings in Turkey, securing the top spot for all but its first episode.
The 16-episode series has already been sold to approximately 50 countries, including Egypt, Greece, Russia, the United States, and Spain.
The global demand for Turkish content has seen a dramatic rise. According to Parrot Analytics, an entertainment market research firm, the worldwide appetite for Turkish productions increased by 184% between 2020 and 2023.
This growth outpaces even the surge in demand for Korean dramas, which saw a 73% increase during the same period.
Buoyed by this international success, the Turkish content industry anticipates earning $1 billion from drama exports alone this year.
Data from Glance-Médiamétrie, a French TV data company, reveals that Turkey exported 133 drama series between September 2022 and August 2023, solidifying its position as the world’s third-largest exporter in this category.
MF Yapim, the Turkish TV production company behind “Bahar,” specializes in adapting foreign dramas for the local market.
The company has a track record of success, having previously exported “Anne” and “Kadin,” remakes of Japanese dramas “Mother” and “Woman” respectively. “Kadin” found popularity in 100 countries.
Over the past decade, more than 40 Korean dramas have been remade in Turkey, while about 10 Japanese dramas have been adapted since 2016.
Izzet Pinto, CEO of Global Agency, a Turkish drama export company, attributes this success to shared values: “Turkey’s family and social values are similar to Korea’s, which has contributed to the success of these remakes,” Pinto said.
“Korean dramas focus not only on family and class conflicts but also on the emotions of the characters.”
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
