Choi Jin Hyuk's 'Positively Yours' Tops 116 Countries: Is This K-Drama's New Global Formula?

What does it take for a K-drama to conquer 116 countries simultaneously? Choi Jin Hyuk's latest series "Positively Yours" just provided an answer that might surprise industry veterans. The drama concluded its run on February 22, claiming the top spot across Rakuten Viki's global platform—but not in the way you'd expect.

Breaking the 16-Episode Rule

"Positively Yours" achieved this feat with just 8 episodes. In an industry where 16-20 episode runs have been the gold standard, this mid-length format represents a significant departure from traditional K-drama structure. Based on a webtoon, the series allowed Choi Jin Hyuk to showcase his range as Kang Du Jun, a character oscillating between cool detachment and endearing vulnerability.

The actor expressed gratitude for viewers' support and anticipation for an upcoming video call event with global fans—a direct engagement strategy that reflects how K-drama success now extends beyond passive viewership into active fan community building.

But this raises a compelling question: Is shorter actually better for global audiences?

The Webtoon-Drama-Fandom Triangle

The success of "Positively Yours" reveals an emerging ecosystem in K-content. Webtoons provide pre-tested narratives and characters, established actors bring credibility and star power, and global streaming platforms enable direct fan engagement through events like video calls.

This creates a virtuous cycle: proven source material reduces production risk, star casting attracts international viewers, and platform-enabled fan interactions build lasting engagement beyond the series finale.

Rakuten Viki's116-country reach isn't just impressive—it's indicative of K-drama's evolution from regional export to truly global entertainment. Unlike traditional broadcasting that required cultural adaptation for different markets, streaming platforms allow authentic Korean content to find its natural global audience.

Mid-Length: The Sweet Spot for Global Viewers?

Here's where it gets interesting. While Korean audiences have grown accustomed to 16-20 episode arcs, global streaming audiences—raised on Netflix's 8-12 episode seasons—might actually prefer the tighter narrative structure of mid-length series.

"Positively Yours" suggests that international viewers aren't looking for more episodes; they're looking for more compelling storytelling within a digestible format. This challenges the Korean entertainment industry's assumptions about what global audiences want.

The implications extend beyond individual productions. Should K-drama producers prioritize domestic ratings or international engagement? How can webtoon adaptations be optimized for global consumption? And what role should direct fan engagement play in measuring success?

The New Success Metrics

Choi Jin Hyuk's achievement with "Positively Yours" represents more than personal career success—it's a case study in how K-drama's global formula might be evolving. The combination of proven source material, strategic casting, optimized episode count, and direct fan engagement created a template that other productions might follow.

This success also highlights the growing importance of platform-specific strategies. What works on Rakuten Viki might differ from Netflix or Disney+, requiring producers to think beyond one-size-fits-all approaches.