Korea’s most prolific production studios have maintained hit rates and delivered impactful co-productions across Asia, even as domestic drama output contracts under rising production costs, according to new research from Media Partners Asia & ampd.

Global streamers have slashed Korean commissions by 43% and local production – crippled by rising production costs – fell by 20% in the two years between the first half of 2023 and the first half of 2025, a new report from Ampere Analysis shows. 

Cinema business activity over the Summer has rebounded after a slack Spring in several major East Asian territories. That represents both a relief for struggling cinema operators and a welcome return to conventional seasonal patterns. 

Scripted television series continue to lead acquisition priorities in Asia, with 72% of surveyed buyers identifying a genre broadly as a top strategic focus. Movies – including both theatrical and TV titles – follow at 64%, alongside animation at 56% and kids’ programming (42%).

Since early 2023, Vietnam’s Decree 71 has pretty much decimated the international/regional TV industry’s interest in the country. Higher operating costs, driven by tighter regulation and oversight, coupled with low yields... you get the picture.

It’s a mid-summer Monday and we’re looking at… one new job, one missing set of earnings, one unkillable Korean zombie comedy, two shiny new bundles, and one retro hijack drama on Netflix’s horizon.   Our daily brief begins with...