As Korean content gains significant attention in the global market, the importance of localization—preserving the original identity while capturing the unique sentiments of each country—has grown. On October 15, Netflix highlighted the dubbing and subtitling ecosystem that supports localization efforts.
Netflix, in collaboration with the Korea Creative Content Agency, held a 'Global Localization Roundtable' at the Four Seasons Hotel in Seoul.
The event featured key figures from Netflix's localization department, including Catherine LeTarte, Senior Director of Global Content Localization.
LeTarte introduced the global expansion process of Korean content through the format and production experience of 'Physical: 100.'
She stated, "The background of global expansion is localization, which allows viewers in different countries to enjoy works in their own language. The original version of 'Physical: 100' supports dubbing in 16 languages, with the Italian version featuring 13 languages and the Mexican version 10 languages. Subtitles are available in up to 32 languages across all versions."
Examples of preserving unique Korean cultural expressions were also shared. In the Netflix series 'Scandal,' music directors, lyricists, and voice actors collaborated on translating and recording foreign language lyrics to maintain Korean expressions in each language. The Korean font design displayed on screen was also newly created to fit other languages.
LeTarte emphasized, "Subtitles and dubbing are not secondary tasks; they are a second production. They must convey the essence of the dialogue within the time viewers can read, and dubbing should connect the voice acting with the original meaning and emotions of the actors on screen."
This work is carried out through a global production system involving experts from various fields. Netflix has the capability to provide dubbing in 36 languages and subtitles in 33 languages, collaborating with 122 partners worldwide. Each language dubbing project involves 50 to 60 professionals who contribute their expertise in translation, acting, recording, and mixing to convey the original work's appeal globally.
Director Sander van der Poel presented examples from Europe, explaining how Korean content has transitioned from being works that fans created subtitles for to a mainstream viewing option enjoyed by everyone with subtitles or dubbing.
Director Jenny Ross also noted that the way North American audiences enjoy Korean content has changed. Korean dramas, once shared primarily among immigrant families or fan communities, have now become a natural choice among friends. She emphasized the importance of localization investments to satisfy diverse viewing habits.
During the discussion, translator Dalcy Paquet shared her experiences translating English subtitles for Lee Chang-dong's Netflix film 'Possible Love,' explaining how to convey the context and cultural emotions of scenes to international audiences.
Meanwhile, Netflix and the Korea Creative Content Agency have been jointly operating a 'Production Academy' for the third consecutive year starting in 2024, sharing global production know-how with domestic broadcasting and video production professionals.
The event featured key figures from Netflix's localization department, including Catherine LeTarte, Senior Director of Global Content Localization.
LeTarte introduced the global expansion process of Korean content through the format and production experience of 'Physical: 100.'
She stated, "The background of global expansion is localization, which allows viewers in different countries to enjoy works in their own language. The original version of 'Physical: 100' supports dubbing in 16 languages, with the Italian version featuring 13 languages and the Mexican version 10 languages. Subtitles are available in up to 32 languages across all versions."
Examples of preserving unique Korean cultural expressions were also shared. In the Netflix series 'Scandal,' music directors, lyricists, and voice actors collaborated on translating and recording foreign language lyrics to maintain Korean expressions in each language. The Korean font design displayed on screen was also newly created to fit other languages.
LeTarte emphasized, "Subtitles and dubbing are not secondary tasks; they are a second production. They must convey the essence of the dialogue within the time viewers can read, and dubbing should connect the voice acting with the original meaning and emotions of the actors on screen."
This work is carried out through a global production system involving experts from various fields. Netflix has the capability to provide dubbing in 36 languages and subtitles in 33 languages, collaborating with 122 partners worldwide. Each language dubbing project involves 50 to 60 professionals who contribute their expertise in translation, acting, recording, and mixing to convey the original work's appeal globally.
Director Sander van der Poel presented examples from Europe, explaining how Korean content has transitioned from being works that fans created subtitles for to a mainstream viewing option enjoyed by everyone with subtitles or dubbing.
Director Jenny Ross also noted that the way North American audiences enjoy Korean content has changed. Korean dramas, once shared primarily among immigrant families or fan communities, have now become a natural choice among friends. She emphasized the importance of localization investments to satisfy diverse viewing habits.
During the discussion, translator Dalcy Paquet shared her experiences translating English subtitles for Lee Chang-dong's Netflix film 'Possible Love,' explaining how to convey the context and cultural emotions of scenes to international audiences.
Meanwhile, Netflix and the Korea Creative Content Agency have been jointly operating a 'Production Academy' for the third consecutive year starting in 2024, sharing global production know-how with domestic broadcasting and video production professionals.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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