Terrestrial broadcast series have long been established as popular TV programs, produced and broadcast through traditional broadcasting stations. In contrast, online services are digitally distributed streaming platforms, with global streaming giants, Watcha, and Wavve being leading competitors. As viewing trends evolve, competition between network-produced series and OTT services has heightened. Consequently, each platform is producing original productions and employing differentiated strategies to strengthen its competitiveness.

Differentiation Strategies of Terrestrial Dramas

Terrestrial dramas focus on providing stories with broad audience reach while maintaining traditional storytelling methods. In particular, they actively feature celebrity performers to attract audience interest and produce narratives that capture the interest of a broad spectrum of viewers, thereby securing a loyal audience. Additionally, leveraging their long broadcasting experience and network legacy, they continue to offer traditional stories, ensuring stable viewership ratings. This allows audiences to have multiple options to engage with traditional content through various platforms.

Differentiation Strategies of OTT Services

OTT services are expanding their subscriber base by employing strategies distinct from legacy media. Firstly, they actively incorporate new genres and innovative storytelling, prioritizing artistic direction and cinematic quality over mainstream success. Secondly, they curate personalized selections that meets the needs of niche preferences, targeting unique fan bases. Lastly, they focus on producing international releases aimed at the expanding international scene, allowing them to attract subscribers not only within their region but also on a global scale. Through these approaches, OTT platforms are building industry dominance in ways distinct from conventional TV networks.

Competition and Collaboration Between Platforms

As major TV networks increasingly enter the digital entertainment industry, competition has escalated. For instance, one of Korea’s leading networks and a long-established broadcaster operate their own streaming platforms, 'KBS Streaming Hub' and 'wavve', respectively, providing their existing produced series on internet-based distribution channels. This strategy helps maintain the influence of traditional broadcasting platforms while engaging modern audiences. Meanwhile, the rise of new media services is changing consumer behavior towards more flexible viewing options.

Conversely, digital platforms are also solidifying their influence by working alongside legacy content producers. Netflix has gained massive international recognition with Korean dramas like the breakout survival thriller and the supernatural dystopian sensation, leveraging the storytelling expertise of traditional industry leaders. This strategic alliance helps both parties complement each other’s strengths, fostering a more dynamic industry. As a result, the distinction between traditional and modern media continue to become less defined.

Ultimately, terrestrial dramas and streaming platforms are both competing and finding common ground through their respective differentiation strategies. network-produced content maintain classic formats and broad accessibility, whereas OTT services provide genre-defying and cross-border content. As collaboration and cooperation between these platforms 후후티비 continue to grow, audiences can expect a richer and enhanced entertainment experience in the future.