TV dramas and OTT series up 41%, while feature films decline

Busan Film Commission (provided by Busan Film Commission)

The Busan Film Commission (BFC) supported a total of 94 film and video productions in 2025, a 27% increase from 74 productions in 2024. Growth was driven by the expansion of non-theatrical content including OTT series and TV dramas, while feature films declined from 17 to 12 titles—a roughly 30% drop—reflecting the broader shift in Korea's production landscape from theatrical releases to streaming platforms.

According to the BFC's annual report released on January 5, non-theatrical content such as TV dramas, OTT series, and entertainment programs reached 82 productions, up 41% from 57 in the previous year. International productions also increased to 10 titles, a 25% rise, with multiple cases of returning foreign crews who had previously filmed in Busan.

Shifting Production Trends: Rise of Short-Term, High-Efficiency Projects

While the number of supported productions grew, total shooting days decreased. The 2025 total of 537 shooting days represents a 9.6% decline from 594 days in 2024, as shorter, high-efficiency projects gained ground over long-term, large-scale productions.

The most sought-after locations in Busan are spaces that showcase the city's identity as a maritime hub—ports, harbors, and coastal facilities. Neighborhood streets and residential areas also see steady use, establishing the entire city as a versatile backdrop for diverse genres.

Busan Cinema Studios also performed well, hosting 7 productions (up 40% year-on-year) with 454 rental days (up 44%). A revised policy that counts studio shooting days equally with location days proved effective. Direct spending by production crews in Busan totaled approximately KRW 6.96 billion (roughly USD 4.8 million), up 5.7% from the previous year.

2026 Incentive Expansion and Challenges Ahead

The results reflect the structural transformation of Korea's audiovisual industry toward OTT platforms. The increase in returning international crews indicates that Busan is becoming a trusted production partner.

The BFC will strengthen its incentives in 2026, lowering the minimum shooting requirement from 7 days to 5 days and raising the maximum support per production from KRW 40 million to KRW 60 million (approximately USD 28,000 to USD 42,000). A new regional incentive program for Gijang County will also be introduced.

"We will strengthen collaboration between Busan Gijang Studio and Busan Cinema Studios, and pursue location strategies built on storytelling and Busan's unique settings," said Kang Sung-kyu, BFC's Managing Director. However, expanding studio infrastructure and securing land for large-scale open sets remain key challenges for attracting major long-term projects.

참고 자료

• Daily Hankook, "Busan Film Commission Announces 2025 Production Support Results", 2026.01.05

https://daily.hankooki.com/news/articleViewAmp.html?idxno=1318157

• Yonhap News, "BFC Supported 94 Productions Last Year… 27% Increase", 2026.01.05

https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20260105096400051?section=entertainment/movies