From Page to Platform: Lee Do-Yoon Speaks Out

“Films and TV dramas are different, but they’re not completely separate. I’m exploring a middle ground between the two.” Director Lee Do-Yoon, who left a strong mark with the Netflix drama “The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call,” visited Pusan National University (PNU) to share the challenges faced by directors in the era of expanding OTT platforms.

On April 10th, PNU’s Film Institute held its regular colloquium “CINE-NETWORK ON” at Hyowon Art Theater in the Arts Building. Director Lee, an invited speaker, took the stage with a theme “Somewhere Between Film and Drama.” After graduating from Hanyang University’s Department of Theater and Film, he gained attention when he won the “Samsung Renault Award” at the 2006 Busan Asian Short Film Festival with “We. Travelers.” He later made his commercial film debut with “Good Friends” in 2014 and officially began directing for OTT platforms with the Netflix drama “The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call.” 

Director Lee defined the difference between films and dramas in terms of immersion. While film audiences are attentive to the director’s story, drama audiences are often less attentive, so that dramas are consumed in a more casual and scattered state of immersion. He explained, “Unlike films, watching drama can be done while doing the laundry or cooking.”

He then introduced his perspective, “Drama is the writer’s art while film is the director’s art,” explaining how the OTT content production environment has changed a director’s role. According to him, films begin production after location scouting and script writing have been completed, whereas dramas often start production simultaneously with script development, empowering writers. He said, “A drama director is more of a coordinator who maintains balance rather than a creator,” adding, “It’s closer to a role that coordinates the demands of the platform, the writer, and the audience, based on the writer’s influence.”

In particular, Director Lee emphasized the importance of the “platform” as the primary factor directors should consider. This is because content distribution methods determine both story structures and directing styles. He explained, “Directing styles vary depending on platforms such as TV, OTT, or theaters. Platforms like Netflix, where all episodes are released at once, have a different rhythm than channels that air episodes weekly.” In his opinion, the success of OTT content starts with the understanding of “where content is consumed.”. He stated, “Directors who understand that films are consumed in theaters and beyond and those whose dramas keep viewers engaged will succeed.”

He emphasized that finding an intersection between platforms and viewer perception is key.” He called this point the “middle ground.” The challenge for directors today is to create ambiguous works that are neither films nor traditional dramas, but something in between that connects with viewers. Nevertheless, he said, “What matters most is the desire to convey a story. Whether it’s a film or a drama, what remains the same is how and to whom you deliver your story.

He also mentioned AI technology being applied to the video industry. He expressed his sense of how quickly technology is changing, saying, “We’ve entered an era where AI can create in half a day what would take staff three months and 4 billion won to film.” He continued, “Now, AI can even create stories,” revealing that in preparation for his next project, he plans to do only about 40% actual filming, with the rest produced using CG and AI technology.” He emphasized that for directors to survive in the AI era, they must clearly know “what they intend to show.” He added that only creators with precise storyboards and clear vision can coexist with the new technology.

Finally, Director Lee offered advice for young aspiring film directors. He said, “Having fans is an incredible blessing for any director. Creating art is a meaningful path, but I believe it’s complete only when shared with an audience.” He concluded by saying, “I hope you constantly reflect on  what story you want to deliver and who you want to communicate with through the story.”

Reporter Lee Bo-Young

Translated by Thadar-Soe