Im Oh-kyung Expresses Regret Over BTS Comeback Being Streamed Exclusively on Netflix, Calls for Support Measures for Domestic OTT Platforms

 Original article: Media Today

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March 4 — Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism Report to the National Assembly's Culture Committee

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Regarding the exclusive live broadcast of BTS's comeback performance in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, on the 21st by global OTT platform Netflix, lawmaker Im Oh-kyung of the Democratic Party of Korea, floor leader of the National Assembly's Culture, Sport and Tourism Committee, urged the Ministry of Culture, Sport and Tourism to consider support measures for domestic OTT serviced when broadcasting K-content. 

On March 4, during a plenary session of the Culture Committee, Im questioned Minister Choi Hwi-young, who was present to deliver a work report from the Ministry of Culture, Sport and Tourism. 

She stated, "Do you understand what Netflix's exclusive broadcast implies? People around the world must subscribe to Netflix in order to watch BTS's performance. In effect, Netflix has monopolized the intellectual property."

She continued, "We appointed agency executives as private-sector members of the Popular Culture Exchange Committee and emphasized fostering domestic OTT platforms. Yet, the broadcasting rights for a major cultural event have gone to a foreign company. Have you considered the potential opportunity losses for our domestic industry?"

In response, Minister Choi said, "As far as I know, the agency made this decision after careful consideration. It was difficult for the government to intervene directly in this matter, and I ask for your understanding."

Im replied, "This performance is sponsored by the Ministry and the Popular Culture Exchange Committee. Shouldn't you have considered streaming it through domestic FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV) platforms as well?"

She added, "In the future, when entertainment agencies hold large-scale K-content performances, I believe they should obtain prior approval from the ministry or the committee regarding broadcasting arrangements. Rather than simply approving or rejecting them, I ask that you consider comprehensive support measures—such as financial, tax, and infrastructure assistance—when domestic OTT platforms cooperate in global broadcasting."

Netflix will exclusively Livestream BTS's comeback performance, "BTS Comeback Live: Arirang," at 8:00 p.m. on March 21 for paid subscribers. The event commemorates the release of their fifth full-length album, Arirang. 

On March 27, Netflix will also release a feature-length documentary titled BTS: The Return, which documents the album's production process. 


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