Collaborative Copyright and Co-Production Strategies: Fostering Cultural Growth Between Korea and Southeast Asia

August 28, 2025

Hanoi, Vietnam – A surprising demographic shift is occurring in Vietnamese cinemas. Recent weekends have seen multiplexes in Hanoi, and across the contry, draw larger numbers of families, particularly those with middle-aged parents – a stark contrast to the typical 20-30 year old audience that dominates the local film market. this change is largely attributed to the surging popularity of joint film ventures between Korea and Vietnam,specifically the emotional drama,’Going to throw Away Your Mother’.

A New era of Collaboration: Beyond Exporting Content

The film, directed by Mo Hong-jin with equal investment and production participation from both nations, tells the poignant story of a Vietnamese barber caring for his mother with dementia, and his plea for help from a brother residing in Korea. Within just three days of its Vietnamese release on August 1st,the film exceeded its break-even point,generating approximately 4.2 billion won (80 billion Vietnamese Dong). By August 18th, after three weeks, earnings climbed to 8.4 billion won (160 billion Vietnamese Dong). Actor Jung Il-woo’s performance has resonated deeply with Vietnamese audiences, earning him the affectionate nickname ‘Kookmin Saw’.

This success is not an isolated incident. Korean films are gaining considerable traction throughout Southeast Asia, moving beyond mere exports and remakes to a new phase of collaborative creation.

Korean Films as a ‘Box Office Guarantee’

Last year, Jang Jae-hyun’s occult thriller, ‘The Wailing’ (Dammyo), captivated audiences across Asia after attracting 10 million viewers in Korea. In Vietnam, it drew 2.23 million moviegoers in just two weeks, setting a new record for Korean films in the country and landing among Vietnam’s top three highest-grossing films of the year, with a revenue of approximately 11.2 billion won (22.8 billion Vietnamese Dong). Indonesia also saw impressive numbers, exceeding 2 million viewers and surpassing ‘Parasite’ (700,000 viewers) to become the highest-grossing Korean film in the nation. Thailand followed with the film ranking third at the box office.

Country	‘the Wailing’ Viewers (approx.)	Revenue (approx.)
Vietnam	2.23 Million	11.2 billion Won
Indonesia	2 Million+	N/A
Thailand	N/A	3rd Highest-Grossing Korean Film

Remakes of Korean films continue to flourish,with Vietnamese adaptations of ‘Speeding Scandal’ (2008) and ‘Extreme Job’ (2019). The Vietnamese remake of ‘Sunny’ (2011), titled ‘Argo Sisters’ (2018) generated over $3.6 million in its first four weeks. Similarly, the Indonesian remake of ‘Miracle in Room 7’ (based on the 2013 Korean film ‘Gift of Room 7’) ranked sixth at the Indonesian box office in 2022, prompting a sequel.

Co-Creation: A Shift in Strategy

Recent trends indicate a move beyond simple film exports and remakes towards ‘co-creation’, where Korean filmmakers collaborate with local partners from the initial planning stages. The 2021 horror film ‘Langjong’ exemplified this approach, combining the planning and production expertise of Na Hong-jin (‘The Wailing’) with the direction of Thai horror specialist Banjong Pisanthanakun (‘Shutter’). The film achieved 100 million baht (approximately 4.3 billion won) in Thailand and expanded its success across Asia, reaching Indonesia, Singapore, and Taiwan.

CJ ENM’s 2017 production, ‘Satan’s Slaves’, co-produced with Indonesian filmmaker Joko Anwar, is slated for a Hollywood remake, demonstrating the potential for cross-cultural narratives to resonate on a global scale.

Experts attribute this trend to the growing global popularity of Korean popular culture and the expanding market in Southeast Asia. The Korean film industry has established itself as a ‘trusted partner’ and a content leader in the region. According to the vietnamese Film Growth Association’s Ngo pong Lan, “Korea is the moast successful film industry in Asia.” He further emphasized that collaboration with Korea offers more than technical assistance; it sets a positive precedent for joint ventures,encompassing investment,story development,and distribution.

The Future of Korean Film in Southeast Asia

The collaborative model is expected to continue expanding as Korean studios seek new opportunities for growth and diversification in Southeast Asian markets. This shift towards co-creation is not only proving financially successful but is also fostering a deeper understanding of cultural nuances, allowing for the development of compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. The increasing investment in high-quality production and the strategic distribution networks established by Korean firms are further solidifying their position as key players in the regional film landscape.

Did You Know? The Southeast Asian film market is projected to reach $8.4 billion by 2028, according to a recent report by Statista, making it a prime target for international film producers.

Pro Tip: For filmmakers seeking to enter the Southeast Asian market, collaboration with local partners is crucial for navigating cultural sensitivities and ensuring the success of their projects.

What factors do you think are driving the increasing popularity of Korean films in Southeast Asia?

How will this collaborative trend impact the future of the global film industry?

Frequently Asked Questions about korean films in Southeast Asia

• What is driving the success of Korean films in southeast Asia? The success stems from high-quality content, strategic co-productions, and a growing appreciation for Korean culture.
• What is ‘co-creation’ in the context of film production? Co-creation involves Korean filmmakers partnering with local talent and investors from the initial planning stages of a film.
• Which Korean films have been particularly successful in Vietnam? ‘The wailing’ and ‘Going to Throw Away Your Mother’ have seen notable box office success in Vietnam.
• are Korean film remakes common in Southeast Asia? Yes, remakes of Korean films like ‘Sunny’ and ‘Miracle in Room 7’ have been popular in Vietnam and Indonesia.
• What are the benefits of co-producing films? Co-production allows for shared resources, cultural exchange, and access to wider audiences.
• How does Korea’s film industry compare to others in Asia? According to experts, Korea has established itself as the most successful film industry in Asia.
• What is the future outlook for Korean-southeast Asian film collaborations? The outlook is positive, with expectations for continued growth and expansion of collaborative ventures.

Share your thoughts! What role do you see Korean cinema playing in the global film landscape? Leave a comment below.

How do differing national copyright laws impact revenue sharing models in Korean-Southeast Asian co-productions?

Understanding the Landscape of Copyright in Co-Productions

Co-productions between Korea and Southeast Asian nations are booming, driven by the global popularity of K-Content and a desire for diverse storytelling. However, navigating international copyright law and establishing clear co-production agreements is crucial for success. Unlike domestic productions, these collaborations involve multiple legal jurisdictions, each with its own nuances regarding intellectual property rights, ownership, and revenue sharing.

The copyright symbol (©), while a recognizable indicator of copyright protection, isn’t legally required for copyright too exist. However, its presence serves as a clear notice to others, as highlighted by Kanzlei Herfurtner. Understanding this basic principle is the first step in protecting collaborative work.

Key Considerations for Copyright Ownership in Co-Productions

Determining copyright ownership in a Korean-Southeast Asian co-production requires careful planning. Several models exist:

Joint Authorship: Both Korean and Southeast Asian contributors are considered authors, jointly owning the copyright. This necessitates a detailed agreement outlining decision-making processes and usage rights.

Work Made for Hire: One party commissions the other to create specific elements (e.g., script, music).The commissioning party owns the copyright. This is common when funding is heavily skewed towards one nation.

Assignment of Rights: One party creates a work and then assigns the copyright to the other. this requires a legally sound assignment agreement.

Licensing Agreements: Rights are licensed from one party to another for specific uses and territories. This allows for flexibility but requires precise definition of licensed rights.

Crucially, the co-production agreement must explicitly address copyright ownership, outlining:

Territorial rights (Korea, specific Southeast Asian countries, worldwide).

Exploitation rights (broadcasting, streaming, distribution, merchandising).

Moral rights (attribution, integrity of the work – notably critically important for artistic contributions).

Duration of copyright protection (varying by country).

Co-Production models: Korea & Southeast Asia – Triumphant Strategies

Several successful co-production models are emerging:

1. Korean Investment, Local Expertise: Korean companies invest in Southeast Asian productions, leveraging local talent, stories, and production costs. Copyright is frequently enough jointly held or assigned based on investment levels. Example: Korean investment in Thai dramas gaining popularity on Korean streaming platforms.
2. Joint Development & Financing: Korean and Southeast Asian companies collaborate from the initial concept stage,sharing development costs and creative input. This typically leads to joint copyright ownership. Example: A Korean-vietnamese animated series based on Vietnamese folklore, co-funded and co-created.
3. Format Licensing & Adaptation: A successful Korean format (e.g.,a reality show,drama series) is licensed to a Southeast Asian production company for adaptation. The Korean company retains copyright over the original format, while the southeast Asian company owns the copyright to the adapted version. Example: The adaptation of a korean dating show format in the Philippines.

Navigating cultural Sensitivities & Intellectual Property

Co-productions aren’t just about legal frameworks; they’re about respecting cultural nuances. Traditional Knowlege (TK) and Traditional Cultural Expressions (TCEs) are frequently enough integral to Southeast Asian storytelling.

Prior informed Consent (PIC): Obtaining PIC from relevant communities before incorporating TK/TCEs is essential.This demonstrates respect and avoids potential biopiracy or cultural appropriation claims.

Documentation & Attribution: Properly documenting the source of TK/TCEs and providing appropriate attribution is vital.

benefit Sharing: Establishing mechanisms for benefit sharing with communities whose TK/tces are used can foster positive relationships and sustainable cultural exchange.

Practical Tips for Securing Copyright in Co-Productions

Engage Legal Counsel: Hire lawyers specializing in international entertainment law and familiar with the copyright laws of both Korea and the relevant Southeast Asian countries.

Draft a Complete Co-Production Agreement: Don’t rely on template agreements.Tailor the agreement to the specific project and address all potential issues.

Register Copyright: Register the copyright in all relevant territories to strengthen legal protection.

Implement Robust Rights Management Systems: Track and monitor the use of copyrighted material to prevent infringement.

Due Diligence: Thoroughly investigate the copyright status of any pre-existing material used in the production.

Insurance: Consider intellectual property insurance to mitigate risks associated with copyright disputes.

The Role of Government Support & Regional Initiatives

Several regional initiatives are promoting co-production and copyright protection:

ASEAN Copyright Association (ASCA): Works to harmonize copyright laws and enforcement mechanisms within the ASEAN region.

Bilateral Agreements: Korea has bilateral agreements with several Southeast Asian countries that address copyright issues.

Government Funding Programs: Both Korean and Southeast Asian governments offer funding and incentives for co-productions.

Emerging Trends: Blockchain & NFTs for Copyright Management

Blockchain technology and **Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs