Moon So Ri, a highly acclaimed senior actress, film director, and screenwriter, recently discussed the declining conditions of the Korean film industry and how it has become unsustainable even for bigwigs like her.

Moon’s latest project, the Netflix K-Drama When Life Gives You Tangerines, has brought her significant global attention. Even before this show, she had a filmography spanning over 25 years under her belt, including more recently popular shows like Queenamaker and Hellbound, as well as films such as Little Forest and Seoul Vibe.

During a recent interview with Newsen, the actress was asked about becoming a frequent face in Netflix projects, alluding that she had become the streaming platform’s “eldest daughter.” Moon admitted that she was happy about her continued appearances in such projects, primarily because making a living in the traditional Korean film industry has become increasingly difficult.

Moon pointed out that the number of movies being made in the Korean industry has gone down significantly, affecting the livelihood of actors like her.

There aren’t many films being made. The number of productions has decreased significantly, and now it’s mostly summer and winter tentpole movies, or ultra-low-budget independent films. If it weren’t for Netflix, I’d probably be worried about making a living.

— Moon So Ri

The actress even expressed gratitude for being able to continue her career. She emphasized the need to adapt to changes with time, something she has been constantly doing since her debut in 1998.

The world has changed. When I first started acting in films, movies were shot on film, and there was no multiplex theater system. The shift to digital and the disappearance of single-screen theaters were huge changes. And then OTT platforms emerged. I feel lucky that I’ve managed to keep up with these changes. I hope to continue being an actress who adapts to the changing times.

— Moon So Ri

Moon So Ri’s efforts to keep up with the changing times have definitely reaped sweet rewards, but her words have also brought attention to the crisis in the once-prolific Korean film industry, which has been continually struggling due to a significant drought of investment in the post-pandemic years.