Since 2021, streaming giant Netflix and the South Korean internet service provider SK Broadband have been locked in a legal battle over cost-sharing. This followed the American company filing a lawsuit against SK Broadband, who responded with their own. However, Netflix has now announced that the dispute is now over.
The legal battle happened because SK Broadband wanted Netflix to assist in covering the expense of increased streaming traffic in South Korea, which was partially influenced by their hit drama from the country, Squid Game. The show recently announced eight new cast members for its second season.
Per The Verge, a South Korean court ruled that the streaming service is obligated to pay for the increased demands on SK’s network. In their case, SK estimated that Squid Game had cost it an additional 27.2billion Korean won, which at the time was equivalent to roughly $23million.
Now, though, it has been announced that the dispute is over. The two companies will offer bundle packages, combining Netflix with SK Broadband’s IPTV and SK Telecom’s service plans. The pair are looking for new ways to “leverage AI technologies developed by SK Telecom and SK Broadband.”
In a statement, Netflix’s Vice President of APAC Partnerships, Tony Zameczkowski, said: “The partnership with SK Telecom, a leader in Korea’s telecommunication and innovative technology industries, holds special significance as it enables Netflix to enhance entertainment experiences for a broader Korean audience.”
He continued: “Netflix is committed to creating and delivering the best stories to members in Korea and audiences worldwide, and we have high expectations for the journey ahead as partners serving our customers with SK Telecom and SK Broadband.”
“Moving forward, SK Broadband and Netflix will end all disputes with the signing of today’s partnership, and collaborate as partners for the future. This mutual decision stems from both parties’ shared foundational principle that prioritizes customers,” explains a press release from SK Broadband’s parent firm, SK Telecom.
