Netflix and SK Broadband Resolve Squid Game Traffic Dispute, Embarking on a New Partnership Journey
By Jamil Kabbara
In a turn of events that's bound to bring relief to many, Netflix and South Korean ISP, SK Broadband, have ended their longstanding legal dispute over network usage costs that began in 2020. The disagreement was initiated when Netflix took legal action against SK Broadband, leading the latter to retaliate with its own lawsuit. At the heart of the conflict was the massive success of the show 'Squid Game' that led to significant spikes in streaming traffic in South Korea. SK Broadband sought Netflix's support in sharing the hefty costs incurred due to this surge, estimating the show's popularity cost them an additional 27.2 billion Korean won, approximately $23 million at the time.
The resolution not only sees both companies dropping their respective lawsuits but also marks the beginning of a promising partnership. As part of their collaboration, they will launch bundled packages, combining Netflix's streaming services with SK Broadband’s IPTV and SK Telecom’s service offerings. Moreover, both entities are exploring ways to harness the power of AI technologies cultivated by SK Telecom and SK Broadband.
Expressing optimism about this newfound alliance, Tony Zameczkowski, VP of Netflix APAC partnerships, stated that it will "enable Netflix to enhance entertainment experiences for a broader Korean audience.” Echoing this sentiment, Choi Hwanseok, VP of corporate strategy at SK Telecom, emphasized that this collaboration aligns with SK's philosophy of prioritizing customer value. Hwanseok further expressed SK's ambitions, noting, "We will continue to evolve into an AI company and work together with various players at home and abroad.”
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