On May 9, Netflix and Coupang Play took strikingly different approaches: Netflix hiked its prices, while Coupang Play announced free access for all users starting next month.
📈 Netflix Increases Subscription Fees
Netflix Korea revealed that:
- Ad-supported Standard Plan rose from ₩5,500 → ₩7,000
- Ad-free Basic Plan rose from ₩9,500 → ₩12,000
This marks a 27% price hike, the second increase since 2021. Standard (₩13,500) and Premium (₩17,000) plans remain unchanged.
Netflix stated:
"Occasionally, we adjust our pricing to provide a wider range of quality entertainment and reinvest in content that adds greater value for users."
🎁 Coupang Play Becomes Korea's First Free OTT
In a bold counter move, Coupang Play announced it will be free for all users, even those not subscribed to Coupang Wow. However, ad-supported streaming will apply.
✨ Wow Members Still Get More
- 4K streaming and multi-channel audio features will expand
- Exclusive perks include: free new movie releases, live audience access, and more
A Coupang Play spokesperson emphasized:
"We're breaking the traditional OTT playbook so customers can enjoy rich content in the most affordable way."
💥 Impact on Korean OTT Market?
The contrast between Netflix's premium pricing strategy and Coupang's free access model is drawing major attention. Many are watching to see how it could reshape viewer behavior and competitive dynamics in Korea's streaming scene.
📅 Note:
- Netflix's new pricing applies to new subscribers as of May 9; existing users will be updated on a rolling basis.
- Coupang Play's free streaming launches in June.
[Photo Credit: Coupang Play]
