In 2011, the number of rentals of South Korean TV dramas reached an all-time high.

2011.12.01 Press Releases
Culture Convenience Club Co., Ltd. 　

—Annual rankings announced, 'You're Beautiful' takes the top spot for the second year in an unprecedented manner—

We are pleased to announce that the total number of rentals of Korean television dramas at TSUTAYA stores, which offer customers lifestyle suggestions through books, movies, music, and more, is projected to reach a record high of 136 million from January to December 2011. This represents an increase of approximately 27 million rentals compared to last year, and is expected to be the highest growth rate on record.

Korean television dramas gained popularity around 2004, particularly among women in their 40s to 60s, thanks to shows like "Winter Sonata." Since then, from around 2006, historical dramas such as "Dae Jang Geum" and "Jumong" have attracted a new audience of men in their 40s to 60s, and have continued to enjoy support.

The recent surge in popularity can be attributed to the expansion of the Korean drama audience to include women in their teens and twenties, centered around works such as "You're Beautiful," "Sungkyunkwan Scandal," "Playful Kiss," and "Mary Stayed Out All Night," which have consistently ranked high in the annual rankings. In particular, "You're Beautiful" saw a significant increase in rentals compared to last year, mainly due to a substantial expansion in its audience of viewers in their teens and twenties, achieving the exceptional feat of ranking number one for the second consecutive year.

[2011 Korean TV Dramas: TSUTAYA Annual Rental Ranking - Top 10]

1st Place: You're Beautiful
2nd Place: Sungkyunkwan Scandal (Complete Edition)
3rd Place: Playful Kiss
4th Place: Mary Stayed Out All Night
5th Place: Pasta - Until Love Begins
6th Place: Chuno
7th Place: My Princess (Complete Edition)
8th Place: Take Care of My Lady
9th Place: Yi San
10th Place: A Brilliant Legacy

*Please refer to the attached PDF for the trend in annual rental frequency and rankings from 11th place onwards.
*The overall annual DVD rental rankings, annual book rankings, etc., will be announced sequentially from December 5th onwards.

Documents related to this matter

20111201_ccc_2011 Korean TV drama rentals saw record-breaking growth.

Inquiries regarding this matter

Culture Convenience Club Co., Ltd.
TSUTAYA Business Division, Public Relations, Yuta Takahashi
TEL: 03-6800-4464／FAX: 03-3760-6020

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