U.S. cable network HBO has made its full slate of original content available in South Korea for the first time, as streaming platform Coupang Play secures exclusive rights in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery.
The deal, which took effect on March 21, brings more than 140 HBO and Max original titles to South Korean viewers, with additional releases to follow. While select HBO shows have previously aired on local cable networks and streaming services, this marks the first time a single platform has exclusive access to the full catalog.
South Korean fans, who have long relied on unofficial channels to watch HBO’s acclaimed dramas, have responded swiftly. Social media is abuzz with reactions to newly available titles, ranging from classics like Game of Thrones and The Sopranos to recent hits such as The White Lotus and The Last of Us.
HBO has long been a dominant force in television, producing Emmy and Golden Globe-winning series known for their intricate storytelling and high production values.
Among the most anticipated releases in South Korea is The Last of Us, a post-apocalyptic drama set in a world ravaged by a fungal pandemic. The show’s first season, which aired in 2023, received 24 Emmy nominations and won eight. Another high-profile title is the upcoming third season of The White Lotus, featuring BLACKPINK’s Lisa in a guest role. Set in Thailand, the satirical drama has won multiple Emmys for its sharp critique of wealth and privilege.
Other popular titles now available include Succession, often likened to a modern-day Game of Thrones for its portrayal of power struggles within a media dynasty. The show won the Golden Globe for Best Drama Series, beating South Korea’s Squid Game. Also premiering locally for the first time are The Penguin, a Batman spinoff starring Colin Farrell, and Dune: Prophecy, a prequel to the Dune film franchise.
Industry analysts say HBO’s entry into South Korea could reshape the local streaming landscape, exposing audiences to a different style of storytelling. The impact could extend to domestic productions as well, as South Korean creators look to incorporate elements from internationally acclaimed dramas.
Craig Mazin, co-creator and executive producer of The Last of Us, expressed enthusiasm about the show’s South Korean release. “My wife, daughter, and I are all huge BTS fans, so we’re thrilled that Korean audiences can finally watch the series,” Mazin said in an interview with Chosun Ilbo on March 26. He described South Korea as a global trendsetter, adding, “If Korean viewers enjoy the show, that means a lot to us.”
Mazin, who also wrote HBO’s Emmy-winning miniseries Chernobyl, said his approach to storytelling centers on universal themes. “Whether it’s a nuclear disaster or a fungal pandemic, the heart of these stories is always something deeply human,” he said. “I want my work to encourage people to be more empathetic and compassionate.”
Halley Gross, a writer on The Last of Us, highlighted HBO’s signature style, saying, “HBO excels at telling stories with complex characters that resonate with viewers.” She noted a shift in audience preferences, with heroic figures gaining traction again after a wave of popularity for anti-heroes.
The trend mirrors changes in South Korea’s drama industry, which has shifted from niche, high-concept genres back toward universal themes. “People ultimately want to laugh, cry, fall in love, and experience heartbreak,” Mazin said. “It’s those small, deeply human moments that matter most.”
