Netflix unveils 2025 lineup filled with Korea-made shows, movies

Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao to feature in Netflix’s Korean show ‘Physical: Asia’

By Baek Byung-yeul

Netflix aims to solidify its streaming service leadership with various series, shows and movies this year, including the highly anticipated "Squid Game" Season 3, "Culinary Class Wars" Season 2 and "Physical: Asia" featuring the Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao.

The streaming giant held the "Next of Netflix 2025 Korea" event, unveiling its release lineup for Korea and overseas this year, including seven movies, 11 series and seven entertainment shows produced in Korea.

"Our goal this year is to be there in those special moments when people find their favorite content in their busy lives," Kang Dong-han, vice president of Netflix Korea, said during a press conference in Seoul on Tuesday.

"We aim to be the first service that comes to mind when viewers want to find content they like."

Netflix is expanding its partnerships with Korean partners to attract more Korean viewers.

"We are expanding choices by forming strategic partnerships with various partners such as mobile carriers, platforms and broadcasters and operating diverse pricing plans to cater to our members' varied tastes," Kang said.

Netflix has particularly focused on entertainment shows this year, a move that seems to be a strategy to keep more viewers on their platform for longer.

The Korean athletic competition show "Physical: 100," which selects the contestant with the best physique, will return this year for its third run under a new title, "Physical: Asia," according to Yoo Ki-hwan, Netflix Korea's director of content.

"'Physical: 100' returns as 'Physical: Asia.' While previous seasons had 100 contestants competing to select the best one, this time, (teams representing countries in Asia) will compete against each other. It will be a competition of nations with representative athletes participating from each country," Yoo said.

Notably, the Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao will participate as one of the representatives for the Philippines.

"Culinary Class Wars," a survival cooking show that gained global popularity last year by showcasing clashes between established chefs and skilled but lesser-known chefs, is also set to return with a second season this year.

"'Culinary Class Wars' is also returning for Season 2. The show was the first Netflix entertainment show to rank first for three consecutive weeks in the non-variety category. Since the start of open recruitment for chefs to participate in the new season, over a thousand chefs have applied," the director said.

Additionally, the director mentioned that a new entertainment show created by star producer Na Young-seok will be released this year.

"Producer Na Young-seok will present an original variety show in collaboration with Netflix. You can see it in the fourth quarter of this year," he said.

Korean dramas, films

Nevertheless, Korean original series and films remain the cornerstone of Netflix Korea’s success. Among this year’s releases, "Squid Game" Season 3, slated for June 27, stands as the most awaited title.

Another Netflix Korea original series, "When Life Gives You Tangerines," starring singer and actor IU and actor Park Bo-gum, is also expected to receive significant attention.

"(IU and Park) will show the best chemistry imaginable," the show's producer, Kim Won-suk, famous for producing the 2014 tvN drama "Misaeng: Incomplete Life,” said. "Viewers will be able to see a different side of Park Bo-gum than they might expect. IU will show all the charming qualities we've seen from her so far."

Netflix will also present seven movies made by Korean production teams this year. Director Yeon Sang-ho's new work "Revelations" is produced by Oscar-winning director Alfonso Cuaron, while Netflix's first Korean animated film "Lost in Starlight" is also attracting much attention by casting A-listers Kim Tae-ri and Hong Kyung as voice actors.

The lineup also includes "Mantis," a spin-off of Netflix's 2023 movie "Kill Boksoon," as well as "The Great Flood" starring "Squid Game" Season 1 star Park Hae-soo and "Itaewon Class" star Kim Da-mi.