Disney Plus is quickly emerging as a new power player in the K-Content landscape, and the platform's latest claim to global fame is the science-fiction thriller "Blood Free", starring Han HyoJoo and Ju JiHoon.

Han HyoJoo, who is steadily becoming the face of Disney Plus, having previously appeared in the mega-hit blockbuster of a K-Drama - "Moving", plays the stoic and ambitious CEO of "Blood Free" Yun JaYu in the drama of the same name. "Blood Free" is a company dedicated to eliminating animal cruelty and protecting the environment through game-changing inventions such as cultured meat, cultured seafood, and even cultured grains and food crops! Thanks to the company's unprecedented development, "Blood Free" has gone global. However, the ethical implications that come with such strides are making life just a tad more difficult for Yun JaYu.

Spoiler Alert!

From death threats to hired killers, violent protests, a massive hack that costs her billions in Bitcoin, and a prodding suspicion that someone's betraying her organization from the inside, Yun JaYu is constantly on edge. In steps her knight in a suave grey coat - Ju JiHoon as Woo ChaeWoon.

Woo ChaeWoon is a soldier-turned-bodyguard hired to protect Yun JaYu after he very conveniently turns up at the right times in the right places. Just as unreadable as JaYu, ChaeWoon is a man with a dark past, the wounds from which still continue to haunt him. Secrets abound in the relationship that they form, teetering on the line between allies and enemies, trust and suspicion, light and dark.

Shadowy figures surround the two as the story progresses, including the Prime Minister of the nation, Sun WooJae (played by Lee HeeJun), a very close friend On San (Lee MuSaeng), a genius scientist Kim SinGu (Kim SangHo), and more.

 

What Makes "Blood Free" So Unique?

In addition to the brilliant cast and their outstanding acting, one of the biggest strengths of "Blood Free" is the uncanny atmosphere it builds up, where chaos starts to unravel slowly yet steadily, threatening to swallow everything in its wake. It is virtually impossible to judge good and evil or even be able to tell them apart. Our protagonists are so intricately layered and complex that imposing our own moral standards upon them becomes an exercise in futility. So, to enjoy this show, the first thing you need to do is abandon your inherent nature to pick a side and let the story carry you to its conclusion.

Another attractive quality of the drama is that it naturally encourages discourse. If there's anything K-Drama fans love more than K-Dramas, it is making theories and predictions about said K-Dramas. "Blood Free" is the type of drama that is all show and no tell. There's very little exposition, but there are hints peppered throughout the episodes that tell you all you need to know. Naturally, this births fan theories and engaging with such theories is arguably one of the best parts about the K-Drama fandom.

Eagle-eyed fans are already noticing details like how Yun JaYu could have had a twin sister who suffered from Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and how JaYu could be working on organ culture behind the guise of her cultured meat business. Human experiments have already been alluded to, so such a revelation would not really be a stretch.

Discussing the K-Drama in this manner while we wait for author extraordinaire Lee SooYeon (known for works like "Stranger", "Life", and "Grid") to captivate us with her writing is an experience you do not want to miss.

 

How Is "Blood Free" Performing?

All things considered, "Blood Free" seems to have the makings of a fantastic thriller with impressive rewatch value. The subject matter is novel, the first of its kind in Korea, the cast is star-studded, and the cinematography, especially during the action scenes, is unmatched. It is riveting, full of spectacle, but also imbued with deep meaning and detailed nuances. The drama has gathered a niche audience who enjoy the genre and are watching the show as it airs, but we're expecting even more viewers to tune in once the series can be binge-watched.

This is because the very novelty of the subject matter may be what is holding some viewers back from investing their time into the show right away. As it is a sensitive issue, we suspect that not all viewers may be comfortable, especially with the graphic scenes depicted in the very first episode. However, if one can get past the initial shock, it's smooth sailing from then on as new mysteries unfold. A lot of the latter part of the show seems to be quite unrelated to the core concept of cultured meat and instead delves into more of a whodunnit thriller surrounding Yun JaYu's connection to the terror attack, her past, as well as the culprit behind the attack on Blood Free.

At the time of writing, "Blood Free" has entered Disney Plus' top 10 most-watched shows chart in Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan, according to FlixPatrol.

We also carried out our own data analysis, pulling posts from all across the web over the last 30 days to determine how "Blood Free" has been performing worldwide.

According to our analysis, mentions of "Blood Free" and the use of the hashtag #BloodFree have gone up +18455%, social media reach has gone up +307961%, interactions increased by +483026%, and positive sentiment towards the drama increased by +23200%.

To put things into perspective with numbers, the estimated social media reach of "Blood Free" at the moment is 7,513,618, while the non-social media reach is 9,956,584. The hashtag #BloodFree is currently a trending hashtag across social media, followed by related hashtags like #HanHyoJoo, #JuJiHoon, #BloodFreeKdrama, #한효주, #지배종, #주지훈, and #DominantSpecies.

While the K-Drama is considerably popular, it certainly has room to expand further and capture virality, and factors like social media edits and word of mouth are going to play a major role in attracting more attention to the drama.

 

"Blood Free" Netizen Sentiment Analysis

We also conducted a sentiment analysis, analyzing hundreds of posts from across the internet to understand how viewers are reacting to the show. We noticed that a majority of the viewers of "Blood Free" were more attracted to the chemistry between the lead actors Han HyoJoo and Ju JiHoon than any other aspect of the drama. As the drama is not mainly a romance drama, this chemistry seems to be hitting different for viewers of the show.

The idea of cultured meat also brought forth some discussion, especially as the drama explores the moral dilemma surrounding cultured meat and grains, which can have a devastating effect on primary industries.

There is, however, some negative reaction to the show, which seems to be based on the slow pacing of the narrative.

In conclusion, we found that 96.9% of netizens have a positive sentiment towards the show, and 3.1% have a negative sentiment. These numbers were recorded on April 17, 2024, when episodes 3 and 4 were released.

Episodes 5 and 6 of "Blood Free" release today, April 24. It will be interesting to see how the numbers change after this week's episodes.

"Blood Free" is now streaming on Disney Plus. Are you watching?

The results for the 2024 Overseas Hallyu Survey has been released, naming the most beloved K-Dramas of viewers from across the globe. The top 5 series consists of "Squid Game", "The Glory", "King The Land", "Crash Landing On You", and "Taxi Driver", in that order. For the third time since its release, "Squid Game" continues to dominate, earning mass-attention from audiences worldwide.

Conducted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Overseas Hallyu Survey aims to compile the data on the impact of the Hallyu wave. With a sample size of 25,000 people from over 26 countries, the survey tries it best to show an accurate representation of what types of K-Content is being consumed in different countries.

While many more amazing series have popped up over the years, "Squid Game" is still named as one of the most enjoyed K-Dramas by 9.0% of survey participants. While they're not all the same genre, they do have some similarities, and some clear cut reasons why "Squid Game" remains at the top.

 

Top Ratings And Streams

Looking at the list across the board, these series cover a variety of different themes. This includes everything from lighthearted romantic comedy to suspenseful thriller and heart-racing action.  As vastly different as they might be, they share a similarity in receiving top ratings and streams.

At their highest ratings, "Crash Landing On You" received 21.7%, "King The Land" ended on 13.8%, and "Taxi Driver" received 16% for season 1 and 21% for season 2 respectively. When it comes to the Netflix-produced shows of "Squid Game" and "The Glory", rather than percentage ratings, there are hours viewed. At its peak and according to FlixPatrol, "The Glory" reached an astonishing 124,460,000 hours viewed. But this seems pale in comparison to the 571,760,000 of "Squid Game".

Earlier, we mentioned that Squid Game was picked by 9.0% of survey respondents. The rest are as follows: "The Glory" (3.4%), "King The Land" (2.6), "Crash Landing On You" (2.2), and "Taxi Driver" (1.6). While the rest of these series are amazing in their own right, the difference between "Squid Game" still remains quite large, even three years after its release.

While these numbers don't tell the whole story, they portray these shows' mass appeal and how they naturally had the entire globe wrapped around their finger, eagerly moving from episode to episode. With a majority of these shows made available through Netflix, and "Taxi Driver" as the lone Amazon Prime Video representative, it was easy for individuals around the globe to become hooked and name them as their top series of 2023.

 

More Than Just A K-Drama

Now, we have a general idea of how well these series have done, according to stats. And while statistics might be a clear representation of these K-Dramas' success, when breaking things down, it becomes more than just the numbers. And in turn, these shows become more than just a regular, old K-Drama. In the case of "Squid Game", "The Glory", and "Taxi Driver", they certainly were not your typical K-Dramas that ended with a couple riding into the sunset towards their happily-ever-after. Instead, they erred more on the intensity of the world, how some actions are simply unforgivable, and the sheer ruthlessness of certain individuals. They introduced global audiences to a grittier, less explored side of K-Dramas that left a lasting impression on millions.

Looking over at "Crash Landing On You" and "King The Land", these two offered a totally different experience for viewers, acting as quintessential examples for your tried and true K-Drama. They had layers of depth and character development, while remaining lighthearted enough for you to witness a swoon-worthy romance, made you smile in unending laughter, and kept audiences coming back every single week.

Millions of individuals raved about these series' incredible success and how they managed to change the landscape of the K-Dramas we see today. And aside from the feel good happy endings and the idea that love is real from "Crash Landing On You" and "King The Land", they approached a myriad of real-life topics that are generally harder to talk about for any one person. "Squid Game" tackled economic disparity, "The Glory" depicted the lasting effects of bullying, and "Taxi Driver" portrayed the idea that the less fortunate can receive their due justice.

It's in these life lessons, combined with the pure entertainment factors, that make these shows so worth it.

 

The Lasting Effect Of "Squid Game"

It's no secret that Netflix's "Squid Game" became a world-renowned hit. According to data collected by Netflix, as of April 14th, 2024, "Squid Game" has received a approximately 265,200,000 total views, earning it the top spot of Netflix's Most Popular TV (Non-English) list. During its initial year of release, it became an international craze, with millions flocking to filming locations of the series, creating a boon in the tourism industry. Even the official VISIT SEOUL website curated a list of "Squid Game" filming locations that travelers could visit in Seoul.

Additionally, a pop-up playground was previously set up at Itaewon station, which ran from September 17th, 2021 until September 26th, 2021.

Many would think that the first year of global success aside, and with the amount of incredible K-Dramas that have graced our screens since, surely there would have been at least one to overtake the no. 1 spot from "Squid Game". However, going from 21.2% to 11.3%, and now 9.0% shows just how much presence the Netflix series continues to retain.

From mentions & reach to netizen sentiment, "Squid Game" remained truly relevant within such a fast-paced and ever-changing entertainment world. And while there are dips here and there, the sentiment around "Squid Game" is ultimately positive, a consensus shared by a large portion of survey respondents and the world. Although the drama's mentions and reach are on a downwards trend, it has yet to fall off completely, showing that audiences still have their tabs open to search more about "Squid Game".

Looking at it even deeper, there's many reasons for that.

 

The 'Wow' Factor

Entertainment-wise, "Squid Game" is truly a special title. As the characters participate in a series of missions in an attempt to earn a life-changing monetary prize, audiences await with bated breathe to see just who will make it out alive. Taking simple Korean games and transforming them to psychologically frightening tasks blows everything out of proportion, but creates such an inescapable  magnetic pull that you can't help but be dragged along by its explosive plot. This 'wow' factor certainly contributed to the overall success of "Squid Game" and how it became such a loved hit for three years in a row.

 

Spinoffs And Reimagined For Real Life

Even with its immense virality and worldwide influence, many probably could not foresee that it would incite others into action to replicate the hit series and create a real-life "Squid Game". One of the most notable attempts was done by popular YouTuber, Mr. Beast. Although the contestants do not carry a sense of desperation to succeed like the original characters nor is blood actually shed, the spirit of "Squid Game" is still present. This 26 minute video by the YouTuber now sits at around 600M views.

Then, just last year in 2023, Netflix tapped into the success of "Squid Game" and created "Squid Game: The Challenge". This was the official real-life rendition of the iconic series. While this was a bit more laidback like Mr. Beast's version, tensions were a little higher as the streaming giant tried its best to stay as true to the K-Drama as possible.

Outside of these, along with many other attempts to bring "Squid Game" to life, the iconic tracksuits, guard outfits, and more reached store shelves everywhere. Then when Halloween came around the corner, millions walked along the street dressed from head to toe in "Squid Game" attire, showing their enjoyment and outright affection for the show.

 

"Squid Game" Moving Forward

Considering the news about "Squid Game 2" and how it's going to drop sometime this year, it seems the craze is far from over. Rather, it will most likely receive a second wind, dominating watchlists and search engines worldwide. And even then, depending on whether or not the response for season 2 is similar or surpasses expectations, there could even be a chance that the "Squid Game" universe is expanded even further. This would pave the way for even more exploration into the "Squid Game" narrative and an expansion of an already complex story. This time next year, "Squid Game 2" could be like its predecessor and be chosen as the top K-Drama from 21.2% of survey respondents, or more.

What do you think of the results for the 2024 Overseas Hallyu Survey? Have you gone back to rewatch "Squid Game" in the past year?

tvN is a cable channel of Korea and its dramas are popular in and out of Korea. The channel has quite a lot of hit dramas on its record. The channel keeps on having high ratings with interesting plots and Hallyu actors in its cast.

Here is a list of the tvN dramas with the highest ratings up until now (all years) (updated article).

 

1. "Crash Landing On You" - 21.7%

The drama "Crash Landing On You" (2019-2020) with Hyun Bin and Son YeJin makes tvN history by breaking the record of its highest ratings. With the final episode of the drama, the drama ratings reached 21.7%. The love story of the North Korean soldier and South Korean chaebol hooked the country.

 

2. "Queen of Tears" - 21.6%

The awaited K-Drama "Queen of Tears" (2024) with top Hallyu stars Kim SooHyun and Kim JiWon started with 5.9% and reached impressive ratings of 21.6% with episode 14.  Viewers are hooked and the drama went viral for its story and amazing acting. It is still airing.

 

3. "Goblin" - 20.5%

The drama "Goblin" also titled "Guardian: The Lonely and Great God" aired in 2016-2017 starring Gong Yoo, Kim GoEun, Lee DongWook and more. In and out of Korea, the drama was extremely popular. There was definitely a "Goblin craze". The final episode of the drama reached its highest personal ratings at 20.5%. "Goblin" held the record of tvN best ratings until "Crash Landing on You" broke it.

 

4. "Reply 1988" - 18.8%

The "Replies" series were popular and "Reply 1988" (2015-2016) was the most popular. The last episode reached 18.8%. Girl's Day's HyeRi, Park BoGum, Go KyungPyo, Ryu JunYeol and Lee DongHwi acted in the drama.

 

5. "Mr. Sunshine" - 18.1%

The historical drama "Mr. Sunshine" (2018) with Lee ByungHun and Kim TaeRi had a huge budget and it received a lot of love in and outside of Korea. The drama scored 18.1% of ratings on its last episode.

 

6. "Mr. Queen" - 17.4%

The comedy historical drama "Mr. Queen" (2020-2021) starring Shin HyeSun and Kim JungHyun was also popular. The drama started at 8.0% and kept on increasing its ratings up to 17.4% for the final episode.

 

7. "Crash Course In Romance" - 17%

The romance drama "Crash Course in Romance" (2023) starred Jeon DoYeon and Jung KyungHo. The drama started with 4.0% but gained a lot of popularity week after week with its love story, elite education, and scandals. The drama reached 17% with its last episode.

 

8. "Under The Queen's Umbrella" - 16.852%

The historical drama "Under The Queen's Umbrella" (2022) starred Kim HyeSoo, Kim HaeSook, Choi WonYoung, Moon SangMin, SF9's Chani, Yoo SeonHo, Kim MinGi, and more. It was a hit drama. Starting at 7.6%, the drama kept on gaining viewers and reached 16.852% with its last episode. The story of the queen, her sons, and all the political schemes passionated.

9. "Vincenzo" - 14.6%

The black comedy drama "Vincenzo" (2021) starring Song JoongKi, Jeon YeoBeen, 2PM's Ok TaecYeon, Kim YeoJin, and Kwak DongYeon was popular. The drama was also available on Netflix at the same time. The drama started at 7.7% and ended at 14.6%. Viewers have been stunned by the amazing acting and the catchy storyline of a mafia consigliere getting rid of the bad guys.

 

10. "Our Blues" - 14.6%

The life drama "Our Blues" (2022) starring Lee ByungHun, Shin MinA, Han JiMin, Kim WooBin, Cha SeoungWon, and Lee JungEun gathered a lot of interest with its touching story and its talented cast. The drama started at 7.3% and ended at 14.6%.

 

11. "100 Days My Prince" - 14.4%

The comedy historical drama "100 Days My Prince" (2018) starring EXO’s D.O. and Nam JiHyun was also one of the most popular dramas of tvN. The last episode of the drama reached 14.4%.

 

12. "Hospital Playlist" - 14.1%

The drama "Hospital Playlist" (2020) with Jo JungSuk, Yoo YeonSeok, Jung KyungHo, and Kim DaeMyung was popular. The drama kept increasing in ratings and reached 14.1% with its last episode. The story of these close friends working at the hospital had interested many.

 

13. "Signal" - 12.5%

The drama "Signal" (2016) with Lee JeHoon, Kim HyeSoo, and Choi JinWoong was also a hit. The drama reached 12.5% of ratings with its last episode. This drama is often mentioned as one of the best K-Dramas in the international K-Drama community.

 

14. “Hotel del Luna"- 12%

IU and Yeo JinGoo addicted viewers to the ghosty fantasy drama “Hotel del Luna”. The drama was so popular that many are hoping for a second season. The drama reached 12.0% on its last episode.

 

15. "Marry My Husband" - 12.0%

The 2024 drama "Marry My Husband" based on a web novel and webtoon was a hit. With Park MinYoung, Na InWoo, Lee YiKyung, Song HaYoon, and Highlight's Lee GiKwang, the revenge drama caught attention from the start with 5.2%. It continuously grabbed viewers' attention until reaching 12.0% with its last episode.