Pachinko & Dear X: Why tvN Chose These K-Dramas

tvN is expanding viewer accessibility by lowering the barrier to paid subscriptions, with back-to-back weekend evening programming of Apple TV+'s epic "Pachinko" and TVING's original series "Dear X." This programming strategy exemplifies the recent shift in the media ecosystem where OTT original content is being re-aired on TV channels.

Apple TV+'s "Pachinko," a grand epic about a Korean family living through tumultuous times from the Japanese colonial era to the 1980s, premiered on tvN on June 6. Season 2 is scheduled to air starting July 18. This series overcomes the limitation of restricted accessibility due to a relatively small domestic subscriber base, despite its substantial investment and high quality, allowing it to reach a wider audience.

TVING's original "Dear X," a revenge drama depicting the downfall of sociopathic actress Baek Ah-jin (played by Kim Yoo-jung), will air on tvN starting July 18 at 10:30 PM, following "Pachinko." This is part of a strategy to extend the lifespan of intellectual property (IP) through synergy between companies within the same group and to reduce IP risk in the saturated domestic OTT market.

Additionally, Disney+'s stylish action series "A Shop for Killers" has also been programmed on MBC. This series depicts the struggle of a niece who is pursued by killers due to the dangerous legacy left by her uncle, showcasing the essence of OTT-style hardboiled action. This programming, with its premiere on MBC on July 3, is a strategic move aiming for synergy with Season 2, scheduled for release in July. It presents a win-win model where Disney+ secures potential subscribers through terrestrial broadcasting's broad reach, and MBC gains access to trendy original content.