K-school content is expanding its territory into the global market. Analysts say the worldview of Korean Gen Z set against school days is delivering universal entertainment and nostalgia to the same generation worldwide.
According to Mnet Plus live metrics analysis released on the 25th, Mnet's "Reply High School" featuring SMTR25—SM Entertainment's promising trainees—is proving its global firepower by landing on major channels and OTT platforms worldwide, centered on global K-pop content platform Mnet Plus. In fact, overseas viewers account for nearly 90% of the show's audience, led by China and Indonesia. This represents unprecedented global cohesion for pre-debut trainees, according to industry observers.
More remarkable than the numbers is the high engagement level. Average live viewing time for episodes 1 and 2 reached approximately 40 minutes. This indicates viewers are not merely clicking on videos but deeply immersing themselves in the members' relationships and episodes throughout the broadcast. Analysts say the warm healing concept—dubbed "the idol version of Three Meals a Day"—and the members' wholesome charm have successfully locked in viewers, replacing the elimination pressure of traditional survival shows.
The enthusiasm is spreading worldwide. "Reply High School" currently airs on Mnet and Mnet Plus domestically, while reaching Asian audiences through Japan's Abema TV and KNTV, Taiwan's friDay Video, and Thailand's TrueVisions and TrueVisions NOW, generating passionate responses from local fans. The show is also distributed to the Americas, Europe (excluding Russia), Oceania, and the Middle East through KOCOWA+, and reaches global fans via WeTV. The core global fandom consolidated through Mnet Plus is extending to major OTT platforms in each country, expanding the program's IP influence worldwide.
With a legendary lineup spanning from Max Changmin to PD Na Young-seok creating synergy with the trainees' charm, "Reply High School" is establishing itself as a new playground for global Gen Z, transcending simple reality programming. "The core fandom communicating in real-time through Mnet Plus is combining with viewers coming in through global OTT platforms, creating a virtuous cycle of buzz around the program," the production team said. "We hope you look forward to seeing what synergy their potential, confirmed in the global market, will create on their journey toward debut."
Mnet's "Reply High School" airs every Friday at 8:20 PM on Mnet and Mnet Plus.