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Korean Film Consumer Culture in the Internet+ Era

The late 1990s marked a pivotal moment in the consumer culture for the Korean film industry as it emerged powerfully, captivating audiences across Asia and the globe. The advent of the Internet+ era in the new century has further revolutionized this landscape, profoundly influencing the consumer culture surrounding Korean films. This blog delves into the transformation of Korean film genres and the industry's distribution in the Internet+ era, leveraging the Internet information dissemination model and personalized recommendation algorithms.

Busan International Film Festival
2022 Busan International Film Festival

Evolution of Korean Film Genres

From 2012 to 2021, there was a notable shift in the primary genres of Korean films. The dominant genres transitioned from romance, drama, and war to crime, action, and disaster. The genre distribution highlights significant changes:


War Films: Averaging a share of 11.20%
Disaster Films: Averaging a share of 11.11%
Action Films: Averaging a share of 10.88%
Drama Films: Averaging a share of 10.97%

This evolution reflects changing audience preferences and the industry's response to the dynamic digital landscape. The increasing popularity of crime, action, and disaster films suggests a shift towards genres that offer intense, adrenaline-pumping experiences, aligning with global trends in film consumption.


Impact of the Internet+ Era

The Internet+ era has reshaped the Korean film industry's business model and consumer engagement. The integration of information technology, including mobile internet, cloud computing, and big data, has transformed traditional industries, including cinema. This era has facilitated the widespread dissemination of information, significantly impacting audience psychology, consumer demand, and business models.


Information Dissemination and Personalized Recommendations:

The internet has enabled a more targeted approach to film marketing and consumption. Personalized recommendation algorithms, driven by user preference features and historical behavior, have become crucial in guiding viewers towards films that align with their tastes. This approach has not only increased viewer satisfaction but also maximized the reach and impact of Korean films.


Market Dynamics and Industry Analysis

Korean films have managed to maintain a competitive edge over imported films in the local market. Since surpassing imported films, the market share of local Korean films has consistently remained higher. For instance, in 2013, the gap between imported and local films reached its peak with a difference of 19.4 percentage points.


The industry's resilience and adaptability are evident in its market performance. Despite the influx of Hollywood films, Korean cinema has retained a dominant presence, supported by government initiatives and international film festivals. The Busan International Film Festival, Jeonju International Film Festival, and Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival are notable platforms that have bolstered the global reputation of Korean films.


Consumer Culture and Audience Psychology

The Internet+ era has deeply influenced the consumer culture surrounding Korean films. The modern audience's psychological and aesthetic needs have evolved, demanding more immersive and diverse cinematic experiences. The consumer culture in Korea reflects a blend of global influences and local nuances, driven by the accessibility and interactivity offered by the internet.


Korean films have adeptly captured this cultural shift, integrating elements that resonate with both local and international audiences. This has led to the creation of high-quality films that are both commercially successful and critically acclaimed. Directors like Bong Joon-ho, Park Chan-wook, and Kim Ki-duk have garnered international acclaim, showcasing the global appeal of Korean cinema.


Conclusion

The Internet+ era has indelibly shaped the consumer culture of Korean films. The fusion of advanced internet technologies with the film industry has transformed the way films are produced, marketed, and consumed. Korean films have not only adapted to these changes but have also leveraged them to enhance their global footprint. The symbiotic relationship between internet trends and film genres underscores the dynamic nature of Korean cinema, making it a formidable player in the global film industry.


The Korean film industry's success in the Internet+ era highlights the importance of understanding and adapting to consumer psychology and market trends. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, Korean cinema is well-positioned to navigate these changes, offering compelling narratives that captivate audiences worldwide.


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