[Courtesy of LGU+]
SEOUL -- In an apparent bid to protect its share at home, South Korean broadcasters pressed LGU+, a third-largest mobile carrier, to sever ties with Netflix, the world's top over-the-top (OTT) media company which provides a paid media subscription service through various devices.
Under an accord disclosed last week, Netflix can provide its service using LGU+'s IPTV set-top box. IPTV subscribers will get a new remote control with the Netflix button. Consumers can pay Netflix subscriptions through their LGU+ bill. In South Korea, Netflix launched online streaming services available on its website or a mobile app in 2016.
"We are asking LGU+ to stop its short-sighted management style and withdraw all related businesses without being penny-wise and pound-foolish," the Korean Broadcasters Association said in a statement on Wednesday, arguing the alliance between LGU+ and Netflix could hurt South Korea's media industry. There was no immediate response from LGU+.
On the side of consumers, Netflix expanded the range of choice. The partnership between the American streaming giant and LGU+ came amid tough competition among South Korean cinema chain operators. Their business has declined due to home theater systems and easy access to multiple channels.
reporter
Lim Chang-won
cwlim34@ajunews.com
