Warner Bros Discovery rebrands HBO Max on a global scale
Rewritten Article:
Images show toy figures lining up next to logos for Disney+, HBO Max, Apple TV, Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video. [REUTERS/YONHAP]
Troubles Ahead for YouTube Premium in South Korea
It seems that Google is preparing to untangle YouTube Music from its YouTube Premium subscription in South Korea, thanks to pressure from the South Korean Fair Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC is investigating whether Google's practice of bundling YouTube Music violates fair trade laws by potentially stifling competition and forcing consumers to pay for unwanted services [1].
If you've been following the music streaming industry in South Korea, you might know that YouTube Music is leading the pack with over 9.5 million monthly active users. This massive lead over local companies like Melon and Genie Music has caused some concerns that bundling YouTube Music with YouTube Premium gives it an unfair advantage [2].
In response to the FTC's worries, Google is contemplating launching a version of YouTube Premium in South Korea without the built-in YouTube Music subscription [1][2]. This decision could cause seismic shifts in the local streaming market scene.
This unbundling isn't merely a local phenomenon; it's indicative of growing scrutiny of tech behemoths in South Korea over questionable competitive practices [1][3]. It remains to be seen if similar pressure will affect how other global platforms manage bundled services in other regions.
Stay tuned as we observe how these developments unfold in the streaming world. And here's a little music trivia for you: Google's newly announced move could coincide with the arrival of 'Mickey 17,' which initially struggled in theaters but may find a new lease of life on streaming platforms. [References: 1, 2, 3]
- The investigation by the South Korean Fair Trade Commission (FTC) into Google's bundling of YouTube Music and YouTube Premium hints at a broader trend, where international tech businesses may face scrutiny over their business practices, particularly in the entertainment sector.
- The potential unbundling of YouTube Music from YouTube Premium in South Korea is not only significant for the local streaming market but also signifies a shift in the international entertainment business landscape, potentially affecting the strategy of other global platforms regarding bundled services.
- As the competition in the international streaming market heats up, companies such as Disney+, HBO Max, Apple TV, Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video may need to adapt their business strategies to maintain their competitive edge, incorporating elements of technology and entertainment to resonate with a global audience.
