Netflix, Disney+, and Others to Implement Self-Rating of Content Starting Next Month

Apple TV+, Watcha, Wavve, Coupang Play, Tving too

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Media Rating Board announced on the 31st that Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, Watcha, Wavve, Coupang Play, and TVING have been designated as online video service (OTT) self-rating classification operators. Starting next month, these companies will independently classify the ratings of content provided on their platforms. The designation period is five years. To maintain their status after expiration, they must undergo a re-designation process. Park Bo-gyun, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, expressed expectations that "a stepping stone has been established for K-content such as movies and dramas to expand worldwide."

In line with the implementation of OTT self-rating classification, the Korea Media Rating Board will operate fifteen teams of the 'Self-Rating Classification Monitoring Group.' Each team consists of one professional monitor and two general monitors who will check the appropriateness of ratings in real time. If there are issues concerning the protection of youth and users, they may request rating adjustments or classify ratings ex officio. A Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism official stated, "An adequacy evaluation, including compliance with rating classification standards, designation of rating classification officers, and provision of protection measures for youth and users, will be conducted in January next year. If any shortcomings are found, recommendations for business improvements will be made."

The second application period for operators will be held from the 19th of next month to July 10th. For more details, please refer to the Korea Media Rating Board website.