HOW THE RECENT POLITICAL TURMOIL CATALYSED SOUTH KOREA’S GAMING BOOM
Unsure if now is the right time to launch your game in South Korea? It absolutely is — and here’s why the recent political turmoil has actually fuelled the country’s booming gaming industry.
South Korea navigated its gravest domestic crisis since the end of military rule when President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law on 3 December 2024 in what many described as an attempted self-coup. Though it was lifted within six hours, the declaration triggered protests, impeachment proceedings, and Yoon’s eventual arrest. The turbulence continued into 2025, with a change of leadership and renewed debate about the nation’s political future.
Paradoxically, this instability gave a boost to South Korea’s gaming industry.
Escapism in a Time of Crisis
When political uncertainty dominated the headlines, many Koreans turned to video games for comfort and distraction. Gaming offered a safe outlet, fostering a sense of normality and community during an unsettled period. While other industries saw consumer hesitation, gaming proved resilient, with revenues still rising—analysts estimated a 1.5% increase in 2024 despite the turmoil.
A Renewed Focus on Culture and Soft Power
The upheaval also refocused government and public attention on cultural industries. Games, along with K-drama and K-pop, were seen as unifying national exports—symbols of resilience at a time when political trust was low. Under President Lee Jae Myung, elected in June 2025, cultural investment was emphasised as a growth strategy, with gaming recognised as a core pillar.
Streaming Culture Driving Engagement
The crisis itself became part of Korea’s cultural story. Stars from Squid Game and other creative industries spoke of confidence in the nation’s ability to recover, and global audiences watched developments closely. This heightened attention to Korean culture spilled over into gaming, reinforcing its position as both entertainment and an exportable cultural product.
Gaming as a Bright Spot in a Shaken Economy
Although South Korea’s economic growth forecasts were downgraded to around 1.6–1.8% in 2025, the gaming sector stood out as a success story. With manufacturing and exports under pressure, games benefitted from strong domestic demand and increasing policy support. The industry emerged not just as a pastime, but as a strategic sector offering stability and global influence.
The political turmoil of 2024 and 2025 did not weaken Korea’s gaming industry—if anything, it strengthened it. Games became an outlet for escapism, a symbol of cultural pride, and a focus for economic growth when other industries faltered. Far from being derailed by instability, gaming in South Korea turned turbulence into an opportunity, reinforcing the country’s role as a global leader in digital entertainment.
