According to the Korea Times, the format of traditional Korean TV series with 16 episodes is gradually being replaced by films with only 12 episodes, or even 8-10 episodes. This reflects the audience's need for a tighter plot and faster storytelling.
OTT platforms have played an important role in this change, as the way viewers receive TV dramas continues to change day by day.
Previously, TV series usually lasted 24 episodes, then dropped to 20, then the 16-episode format was maintained for many years. But at present, the trend of short-form TV series of about 10-12 episodes is very popular, both on TV and online platforms.
Many recently aired dramas such as MBCs Motel California ( Lee Se Young, Na In Woo) Love Scout (Lee Joon Hyuk, Han Ji Min) from SBS, tvNs The Queen Who Crowns ( Cha Joo Young, Lee Hyun Wook), and Disney+s Unmasked (Kim Hye Soo, Jung Sung Il) are all in a 12-episode structure.
The two films "The Potato Lab" (Lee Sun Bin, Kang Tae Oh) and "The Divorce Insurance" (Lee Dong Wook, Lee Joo Bin, Lee Kwang Soo) of tvN are about to premiere in March, also with a length of 12 episodes.
Other works such as Channel A's "The Witch" (Park Jin Young, Roh Jeong Eui), Tving's "Study Group" (Hwang Min Hyun, Han Ji Eun, Cha Woo Min), and Netflix's "Melo Movie" (Choi Woo Sik, Park Bo Young) apply a 10-episode model.
Netflix's medical-themed film "The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call" (Joo Ji Hoon, Choo Young Woo, Ha Young) has just caused a fever during the Lunar New Year, even only including 8 episodes.
Initially, the film was planned to air 10 episodes, each episode was 60 minutes long. But then, the show was restructured into 8 episodes, each episode was 45 minutes long.
This adjustment allows "The Trauma Code" to convey the story at a fast pace, suitable for modern film viewing habits, but still ensures depth and appeal in the script.
The live action movie "Newtopia" (Jisoo Blackpink, Park Jung Min) of the Coupang Play platform also has 8 episodes, currently airing every Friday.
The rise of streaming platforms and the popularity of seasonal formats (most of the time) also contribute to this change. Viewers are used to the 12-episode structure, making longer formats exaggerated.
A key advantage of dramas with no more than 12 episodes is their ability to maintain a high level of interaction. The narrow storytelling with fewer supporting episodes gives viewers a better role-playing experience.
Even with just 8 episodes, some original series of online platforms have created a strong and lasting impact. Instead of slow-paced works with unnecessary repetition, viewers increasingly like short-form TV series.
"The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call" is being proposed to produce a season 2, because the 8 episodes caused a big stir, ranking No. 1 on Netflix worldwide after just over 1 week of release.
However, this trend is also challenging. Production companies are facing a loss of revenue due to fewer episodes. Meanwhile, TV stations have struggled with declining advertising revenue, as popular dramas quickly ended.
The problem of filling in broadcast hours has also become a major concern. The decrease in the number of episodes means that new films must be produced or the next parts must be filmed to continue broadcasting.
Although releasing many of the films is an option, there is no guarantee that the second part will achieve the same success as the first part.
However, Korea Times emphasized that the trend of short-running dramas, or shortening the number of episodes by dividing them into many parts, will help strengthen the competitive nature of the industry, where only high-quality content can stand out and achieve success.
