Global Collaborations: How Korean Cinema Is Expanding Through International Co-Productions
- Drew Morawski
- Dec 3
- 3 min read
As South Korean cinema gains worldwide attention, the industry is increasingly looking beyond national borders to pursue international collaborations. In the years since Parasite (2019), Korean studios, directors, and distributors have expanded their global reach through co-productions, multinational financing, and strategic partnerships with major entertainment companies. These developments signal not only Korea’s growing influence in global media but also a shift in how national cinema operates in a connected cultural landscape.
The Rise of Transnational Partnerships
One of the most notable trends in the post-Parasite era is the growing number of formal partnerships between Korean studios and global entertainment companies. CJ ENM, one of Korea’s largest entertainment conglomerates and a key force behind films like Parasite, signed a major content partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery in 2025. The agreement focuses on producing Korean-language films and series intended for global distribution, reflecting the demand for Korean content on streaming platforms and international markets.
Similarly, Barunson E&A, the production company behind Parasite, has expanded its international footprint. In 2024, the company signed a two-year agreement to handle worldwide sales and serve as co-producer for Indonesian director Joko Anwar’s projects, illustrating how Korea is now exporting not only content but also production support and distribution expertise.
These collaborations mark a shift from Korea being primarily an exporter of finished films to becoming a partner in global content creation.
Directors Working Across Borders
South Korean filmmakers have also become increasingly active in international film industries. Bong Joon-ho, for instance, has directed English-language projects with major American studios, including the upcoming Mickey 17, produced by Warner Bros. Park Chan-wook has collaborated with British and American production companies, while filmmakers like Lee Isaac Chung and Justin Chon have gained global recognition through U.S.-backed projects tied to Korean or Korean American narratives.
This cross-national creative exchange has allowed Korean filmmakers to operate in larger markets with expanded resources, while still maintaining connections to Korean cultural themes and stylistic approaches. The blending of talent, funding, and distribution has helped solidify Korea’s presence in international cinema.
Benefits and Limits of Global Co-Productions
International collaborations provide several key advantages for Korean filmmakers and studios:
Expanded funding opportunities, enabling higher-budget films and more ambitious projects.
Global reach, allowing Korean-language productions to target international audiences from the outset.
Industry innovation, as Korean creators gain access to new technologies, workflows, and distribution models.
However, these collaborations also present challenges. Co-productions can create tensions between maintaining cultural specificity and appealing to global markets. Some critics argue that when international investors drive creative decisions, films risk losing the style and depth that have long defined Korean cinema.
There are also concerns that Korean studios may become increasingly dependent on international financing, potentially limiting creative autonomy and audience diversity in the long term.
Korean Cinema’s Expanding Global Identity
Despite these concerns, global collaborations have allowed Korean cinema to evolve into a more flexible, outward-looking industry. Rather than diluting Korean identity, many of these partnerships have amplified it, providing platforms for stories grounded in the Korean experience while expanding their international resonance.
As the film landscape continues to globalize, South Korea’s dual focus on local authenticity and global collaboration may serve as a blueprint for other national film industries seeking to remain culturally grounded while expanding their reach.
References
Frater, P. (2024, December 1). Parasite producer Barunson E&A signs two-year deal with Indonesia’s Joko Anwar. Screen Daily. https://www.screendaily.com/news/parasite-producer-barunson-eanda-signs-two-year-deal-with-indonesias-joko-anwar/5208014.article
Frater, P. (2025, October 15). Warner Bros. Discovery, Korean studio CJ ENM forge K-content partnership. The Hollywood Reporter. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/warner-bros-discovery-cj-enm-korean-content-partnership-1236402584/
Kim, H. (2023, July 10). Korean filmmakers explore co-production opportunities amid global demand. The Korea Herald. https://www.koreaherald.com
Yoon, J. (2025, October 12). AI brings Korea’s struggling film industry hopes and anxiety. Bloomberg. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-10-12/ai-brings-korea-s-struggling-film-industry-hopes-and-anxiety
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