“This will be the first time we have highlighted a country at our event, and we are thrilled that it is Korea, whose excellence and creativity in film and audiovisual production are widely recognized. This celebration is especially meaningful as it coincides with the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and Korea. Both countries have rich histories and cultures, united by mutual fascination and a shared commitment to strengthening ties in an increasingly globalized world,” said Herszberg.
As part of the initiative, KOCCA (Korea Creative Content Agency), the government body responsible for promoting Korea’s content industry, will attend the Series Mania Forum alongside a delegation of eight leading Korean companies: Channel A Corporation, CJ ENM, EO Content Group, KBS Media, MBC (Munhwa Broadcasting Corp.), SLL Joongang, Studio S and WHYNOT MEDIA.
Moonju KIM, General Director of KOCCA France, added: “It is a great honor for Korea to be invited as the Country of Honour at Series Mania Forum in France. Through globally recognized Korean series such as Squid Game and Bon Appétit, Your Majesty, the Korea Creative Content Agency has contributed to the growing resonance of Korean storytelling and creative excellence worldwide. We hope that Series Mania, as one of the world’s leading platforms for series content, will further deepen mutual understanding and foster sustainable cooperation, including co-production and investment, between Korea and France. We extend our deepest appreciation to CNC, Series Mania, and all French industry partners for their invaluable support and commitment to strengthening cultural and industrial exchange between our two countries.”
The Country of Honour programme has been developed with the support of France’s CNC and its president, Gaëtan Bruel. KOCCA and the CNC previously signed a Memorandum of Understanding during Series Mania 2024, outlining plans to strengthen exchanges between Korea and France and to support long-term growth in the content industries of both countries.
Korea’s presence at the Forum will include a Coming Next from Korea showcase, participation by prominent Korean executives and creatives in conference panels, a dedicated networking cocktail and additional programming highlights throughout the event.
The designation also coincides with the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and Korea, dating back to the 1886 Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation. It follows last year’s BroadCast Worldwide (BCWW) in Seoul, Asia’s largest broadcast content market, which honoured France during its 25th edition.
Korea’s content market continues to show strong growth, reaching an estimated USD 43.169 billion in 2024, up 5.7% from USD 40.849 billion in 2023, and ranking eighth globally. In France, demand for Korean content is accelerating across both streaming platforms and traditional broadcasters. Netflix data indicates that viewing time for Korean content in France increased by more than 200% year-on-year.
The Country of Honour programme has been developed with the support of France’s CNC and its president, Gaëtan Bruel. KOCCA and the CNC previously signed a Memorandum of Understanding during Series Mania 2024, outlining plans to strengthen exchanges between Korea and France and to support long-term growth in the content industries of both countries.
Korea’s presence at the Forum will include a Coming Next from Korea showcase, participation by prominent Korean executives and creatives in conference panels, a dedicated networking cocktail and additional programming highlights throughout the event.
The designation also coincides with the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and Korea, dating back to the 1886 Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation. It follows last year’s BroadCast Worldwide (BCWW) in Seoul, Asia’s largest broadcast content market, which honoured France during its 25th edition.
Korea’s content market continues to show strong growth, reaching an estimated USD 43.169 billion in 2024, up 5.7% from USD 40.849 billion in 2023, and ranking eighth globally. In France, demand for Korean content is accelerating across both streaming platforms and traditional broadcasters. Netflix data indicates that viewing time for Korean content in France increased by more than 200% year-on-year.
