Next Entertainment World Achieves Record Profits and Expands Content Pipeline
Content media group Next Entertainment World (NEW), led by Chairman Kim Woo-taek, reported record sales and a return to profitability in 2025, solidifying its position as a leading Korean film distributor. The company announced consolidated sales of 142.6 billion won and an operating profit of 2.6 billion won during its 18th regular shareholders’ meeting on March 26, 2026.
Financial Performance and Growth Drivers
NEW’s sales increased by 26% compared to the previous year’s 113.2 billion won, with operating profit returning to a surplus. The company attributes this success to a robust value chain encompassing original intellectual property (IP) acquisition, distribution, and the generation of additional revenue streams.
Dominance in Film Distribution
NEW regained the top spot in the Korean film distribution industry, achieving a 23.4% audience share and a 22.9% sales share based on domestic films in 2025, according to the ‘2025 Korean Film Industry Settlement Report’ released by the Korean Film Council. This success was driven by the performance of “Zombie Daughter,” the highest-grossing film in Korean theaters last year. Next Entertainment World has also maximized profits through copyright contracts for over 20 films and global sales.
Diversified Business Portfolio
Growth across NEW’s affiliates contributed to the company’s overall financial strength. Studio & New, the content production arm, generated stable revenue through the airing of dramas “Fine Boy” and “Ugly Love.” Other business divisions, including music, theater (CINE Q), and media tech, also demonstrated internal stability and contributed to profit growth. NEW encompasses dramas, movies, and original series, targeting both domestic and global markets.
Strategic Partnerships and Upcoming Projects
NEW plans to further expand its profit pipeline through strategic collaborations and maintain its positive momentum in 2026. Director Ryu Seung-wan’s film “Humint,” starring Jo In-seong, Park Jung-min, Park Hae-joon, and Shin Se-kyung, will be released worldwide on Netflix on April 1. The company is also anticipating success with Season 2 of the hit IP “Good Partner,” slated for airing on SBS. New Point, a newly established production affiliate, is developing the Netflix series “Recharge Me” as a global target project.
Expansion of Digital Distribution
New ID, positioned as Asia’s No. 1 FAST company, has forged alliances with over 30 major overseas platforms. It is driving the globalization of K-content through digital distribution innovation and media tech integration.
Future Outlook
A NEW official stated that the company’s success as an IP holder stems from a strategy that aligns each work’s unique appeal with the characteristics of both domestic and international platforms. NEW is committed to discovering diverse content to create added value and establish a sustainable cycle of stable profits. NEW established Studio & New in 2016 to expand the scope of its content production and supply business.