Netflix is a global platform, but its content library varies significantly depending on where you are. Comparing my experiences with Netflix in South Korea and the UK reveals how regional licensing and viewing habits shape what’s available and how people use the service.
Netflix in South Korea: A Focus on Local Platforms
In South Korea, Netflix is often overshadowed by local platforms like TVING, Watcha, and Wavve. These services dominate the market by providing exclusive access to popular domestic content. For instance, TVING is closely tied to TVN, a major broadcasting channel, and streams TVN dramas almost exclusively. This close integration makes these platforms a better choice for viewers who want the latest Korean shows. Additionally, incentives like discounts bundled with mobile and broadband services encourage the use of local platforms over Netflix.
Another factor is Netflix Korea’s content library, which includes a significant amount of Japanese animation but comparatively fewer European or Western shows. While this appeals to anime fans, it limits the platform’s appeal for viewers seeking a broader selection. As a result, many Koreans turn to alternatives like Watcha, known for its curation of international and independent films, or Wavve, which aggregates content from major Korean broadcasters. Streaming services in South Korea, driven by the country’s love for K-dramas and variety shows, reflect local tastes and expectations, pushing local OTT platforms ahead of global competitors.
Netflix in the UK: Broad Selection with Licensing Challenges
In the UK, Netflix has a wider array of Western content, including some British series, but licensing agreements often lead to inconsistencies. A personal favourite of mine, the BBC comedy Miranda, left Netflix UK in 2020 when its streaming license expired. Although it briefly returned with one season, it eventually moved to other platforms like iPlayer and BritBox. On the other hand, another BBC series, The IT Crowd, remains on Netflix UK as of 2023, highlighting how licensing varies by show and time.
These changes reflect the broader dynamics of streaming rights, which are influenced by competing platforms and regional demand. Platforms like BBC iPlayer and Channel 4’s All4 provide strong competition to Netflix, offering popular UK shows that aren’t available on Netflix UK. This creates a fragmented but diverse streaming landscape for UK viewers.
Why These Differences Exist
The key reason for these regional differences is licensing. Streaming rights are negotiated separately for each region, influenced by local demand and competition. In South Korea, strong local platforms secure exclusive rights to domestic content, reducing Netflix’s market share. In the UK, Netflix’s library leans heavily on Western and global shows, but licensing contracts determine how long those shows stay on the platform. The growing competition from local platforms in both regions—such as TVING and Wavve in South Korea, and iPlayer, BritBox, and All4 in the UK—further shapes the content Netflix can offer.
Conclusion: One Brand, Different Experiences
Netflix’s offerings reflect local markets, licensing complexities, and cultural preferences. In South Korea, domestic platforms dominate, leaving Netflix with a smaller role in the streaming landscape. In the UK, Netflix remains a central part of entertainment culture but faces challenges with retaining popular titles. These regional contrasts show how streaming is both a global and deeply local experience, shaped by where you are and what you want to watch. With the rise of both regional platforms and global competitors, Netflix must continuously adapt to each market’s unique dynamics and demands.