Terrestrial dramas have long been established as mainstream TV programs, produced and broadcast through terrestrial broadcasting stations. In contrast, online services are digitally distributed streaming platforms, with global streaming giants, Watcha, and domestic platforms being leading competitors. As media consumption habits evolve, competition between network-produced series and OTT services has become fierce. Consequently, each platform is creating exclusive releases and employing differentiated strategies to strengthen its competitiveness.

Differentiation Strategies of Terrestrial Dramas

Terrestrial broadcast series focus on providing productions with widespread popularity while maintaining traditional storytelling methods. In particular, they actively highlight celebrity performers to boost ratings and produce narratives that appeal to a broad spectrum of viewers, thereby securing a broad viewer base. Additionally, leveraging their decades of industry presence and network legacy, they continue to offer traditional stories, ensuring consistent success. This allows audiences to have multiple options to engage with traditional content through various platforms.

Differentiation Strategies of OTT Services

OTT platforms are expanding their market by employing strategies distinct from legacy media. Firstly, they actively incorporate unconventional narratives and innovative storytelling, prioritizing originality and cinematic quality over mainstream success. Secondly, they offer tailored content that caters to niche preferences, targeting specialized demographics. Lastly, they focus on producing multinational content aimed get more info at the expanding international scene, allowing them to attract subscribers not only within their region but also internationally. Through these approaches, OTT services are strengthening their competitiveness in ways different from traditional terrestrial broadcasting.

Competition and Collaboration Between Platforms

As major TV networks increasingly expand into the OTT market, competition has intensified. For instance, KBS and a long-established broadcaster operate their own streaming platforms, 'KBS Streaming Hub' and 'wavve', respectively, making available their existing TV shows on online services. This initiative helps preserve the market presence of traditional broadcasting platforms while attracting new viewership. Meanwhile, the rise of alternative digital platforms is reshaping viewing habits towards more on-demand entertainment.

Conversely, digital platforms are also expanding their dominance by partnering with terrestrial broadcasters. A leading global streaming giant has gained massive international recognition with Korean dramas like the breakout survival thriller and 'Hellbound', leveraging the high-quality filming standards of Korean TV networks. This collaboration helps both parties maximize their potential, fostering a richer content environment. As a result, the distinction between traditional and modern media continue to become less defined.

Ultimately, legacy TV series and OTT services are both rivaling each other and finding common ground through their respective differentiation strategies. Terrestrial dramas maintain established storytelling and mass appeal, whereas OTT services provide genre-defying and cross-border content. As strategic partnerships and integration between these platforms continue to grow, audiences can expect a richer and enhanced media landscape in the future.