Netflix series 'Lady Dua' and the film 'Pavane' ranked No. 1 on the global top 10 non-English shows and No. 7 on the non-English films list respectively, demonstrating the continuing power of K-content in 2026.
Netflix series 'Lady Dua', which tells the story of a woman who wanted to be a luxury brand even if it was fake, "Sara Kim," and a man who pursues her desire, "Mu-gyeong," rose to No. 1 on the global top 10 non-English shows in its second week after release and recorded 10,000,000 views (the number of viewing hours divided by the work's total running time). It also topped No. 1 in 33 countries and made the top 10 list in 65 countries, including Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, and the Philippines, proving the enduring heat.
Domestic and foreign media praised the series' compelling, high-quality development, saying, "The real fun of this drama lies not in the刺激性 of the crime but in how one woman tried to turn her life around. It definitely has the thrill of binge-watching, and it does not make the mistake of collapsing futilely at the end," "The sophisticated mise-en-scène that contrasts the glamorous world of the top 1% with the false consciousness hidden behind it and the visual direction that cleverly mixes the boundary between real and fake heighten immersion," "The story that began with death obsessively probes desire, identity and the reality of the 'truth' we believed," and "With attractive characters, stunning twists and a fast-paced storyline, 'Lady Dua' delivers exactly the excitement I crave" (Heaven of Horror). Viewers also sent varied praise: "Why you must watch 'Lady Dua'… there are almost no scenes that lose interest. I'm too sorry to see this story end" (X bean****), "Acting, directing, editing and production design all deviate from the usual Korean drama formulas to deliver a more intense experience" (IMDb_Foun******), and "A brilliant and intellectual suspense that immerses you from start to finish with fascinating developments" (IMDb_Maya******).
Meanwhile, the released unreleased stills capture various moments, from the different moods of "Sara Kim" (Shin Hae-sun) and "Park Mu-gyeong" (Lee Jun-hyuk) pursuing her, to the diverse moments of the characters they met on the journey to uncover the truth. From the moment she introduced herself as "Sara Kim" at a department store to "Dua," "Kim Eun-jae," and "Bu Dua"'s Asia branch manager "Sara Kim." His stills, which offer glimpses of multiple faces and lives, evoke moments when the gradually revealed past and hidden desires are realized. The obsession of "Mu-gyeong" who chases that "Sara Kim" to the end also draws attention.
At the "Bu Dua" launch party, "Woo Hyo-eun" (Jung Da-bin) and "Yang Da-hye" (Yoon Ga-i), who caused a commotion, contributed to viewers uncovering new truths about "Sara Kim" with unexpected actions, enriching the drama. Also, the still of "Kim Mi-jung" (Lee E-dam), who knew the reality of "Sara Kim" and tried to look like her, again recalls his desire to take everything to become "Sara Kim," completing an unpredictable development to the end.
Meanwhile, the film 'Pavane', in which three people who had closed their hearts become lights for each other and face life and love, recorded 2,000,000 views (the number of viewing hours divided by the work's total running time) three days after its release and rose to No. 7 in the global top 10 non-English films category.
The passionate performances of the actors conveying 'Pavane's' deep sensibility, which depicts the complex facets of youth, and its beautiful mise-en-scène have continued to receive praise from viewers around the world.
"The cinematography and the actors' performances are perfect" (KinoCritics, Eve***), "A serenade of youth salvaged as they recognize each other's lacks in darkness untouched by light" (WatchaPedia, Hwang**), "The directing was great and the characters' lines were also very good" (X, kom****), and "I loved the quiet way it offers emotions without forcing them, and the afterglow lingered for a long time after the film ended" (IMDb, Obs****) praised the film's calm consolation and empathy conveyed through dialogue and direction. In addition, "All scenes and the actors' performances centered on youth's friendship and love are excellent, a must-see work" (IMDb, rox****), "Ko A Sung's expressive eyes always stand out" (WatchaPedia, Ra*), "Byun Yo-Han's acting is so good ㅠㅠ His characteristic cheekiness hides life's bitterness" (X, egt****), "A rediscovery of Byun Yo-Han. The acting, music, lines, directing and story were all great" (Naver, dor****), and "More than any work, I think Moon Sang Min as an actor strongly remains in the mind" (KinoCritics, sad****) expressed satisfaction with the actors' performances that perfectly captured the diverse charms of the characters portraying youth.
Also, by releasing unreleased stills that leave 'Pavane' with a warm afterglow, it is stirring the hearts of viewers around the world. The released unreleased stills capture the chemistry of distinctive characters and the shining moments of youth, drawing attention.
First, the image of "Mi-jung" (Ko A Sung) holding a record of Maurice Ravel as if waiting for someone conveys an atmosphere where excitement and fear coexist and raises curiosity about whom she might be waiting for. The image of "Yohan" (Byun Yo-Han) surrounded by people performing reveals his passionate dedication to music and free charm, increasing expectations for the story and music he will present. The moment when "Mi-jung" and "Gyeong-rok" (Moon Sang Min), whose effort was the only one to look at the real Mi-jung without prejudice, smile at each other and hold hands, tickles viewers worldwide and raises anticipation for the thrilling youth romance the two will present.
Meanwhile, the casual attire of "Mi-jung," which seems somehow different, "Yohan" sitting in a radio booth, and "Gyeong-rok" looking at the light pouring into the room show a glimpse of the growth and change the three youths faced after time passed, adding curiosity to the drama. In addition, Shin Jung-geun, who showed a warm presence as the owner of Kentucky Hope, a hangout-like space for the three, Lee E-dam as "Sera," Han Ueun as "Hyun-ji," and Seo I-ra as "Sook-hee," who added vitality to the drama with distinct characters, enliven the unique sensibility of 'Pavane.' Park Hae-jun and Lee Bong-ryun, who appeared as Gyeong-rok's parents and heightened immersion, raise curiosity about what stories they will add to the narrative.
As characters with their own stories meet and find light beside each other, the heart-fluttering story of their search for light has heightened expectations among viewers around the world.
Meanwhile, the spin-off 'Single's Inferno reunion', which contains behind-the-scenes of 'Single's Inferno' season 5, has also entered the rankings for two consecutive weeks, maintaining its popularity. The Netflix series 'Lady Dua' and the Netflix film 'Pavane', which together rose to No. 1 on the global top 10 non-English shows and No. 7 on the non-English films list, are streaming on Netflix.<
[Photo] Netflix
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