JEDDAH: South Korean actor Park Sung-hoon, who stars in Netflix’s smash hit “Squid Game,” jetted to Saudi Arabia for the Red Sea International Film Festival and spoke to Arab News about his hopes for Saudi-Korean cultural collaboration.
The rising South Korean star, who is also known for his roles in dramas such as “The Glory” and “Queen of Tears,” lauded the popularity of Korean entertainment content in the Kingdom.
“I am grateful for this, and this really motivated me to try to pay back for this interest, and here I am at the Red Sea International Film Festival enjoying every bit of it,” he said.
The rising South Korean star, who is also known for his roles in dramas such as “The Glory” and “Queen of Tears,” lauded the popularity of Korean entertainment content in the Kingdom. (Getty Images)
Globally, three South Korean subscription platforms lead in Korean content offerings: Wavve and Watcha, each with over 4,000 titles, and Tving, with over 3,500 titles, according to data science firm BB Media. Excluding local platforms, Amazon Prime Video currently holds the top position among global subscription streaming platforms in terms of Korean titles with 1,394, though Netflix is close behind and boasts more original K-dramas.
The actor touched on the role of streaming platforms in popularizing Korean content internationally, saying “Korea has always put an effort to make good quality movies and dramas because it is a way of bringing joy and comfort to people even during hard times, and I think with the advanced changes in technology, streaming networks and platforms provided ways for Korean movies and dramas to be shown to a wider audience.”
As the Kingdom’s entertainment scene continues to expand — with the likes of Film AlUla and the Red Sea Film Foundation offering support to rising filmmakers — the actor said he would like to see more cross-cultural collaboration.
“I was very impressed with what I have (seen) here in Saudi Arabia, and I am aware that the movie industry in Saudi Arabia is moving rapidly, and I would love to see more collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Korea in the film industry,” he said.
On the question of making a film in Saudi Arabia, the young Korean actor, who plays a contestant named Cho Sang-woo in “Squid Game,” said: “I would love definitely to work here. I am very impressed with the beautiful landscape and architecture. Just last night, I was thinking of how wonderful to be in the screen around this amazing landscape.”
He also pointed out that he will convey a positive message to friends and colleagues in Korea about Saudi Arabia, which he is visiting for the first time.
“I am so amazed (by) the great hospitality and passion that we felt at the festival. So, I hope that I will come back next year and also hope for future collaboration between South Korea and Saudi Arabia film industry,” he said.
