Netflix Effectively Raises Subscription Fees... Discontinues 9,500 Won Plan

You Must Pay at Least 13,500 Won to Watch Without Ads

Online video service (OTT) Netflix has discontinued the sale of its cheapest ad-free plan, the 'Basic Membership,' which was priced at 9,500 KRW per month.

On the 12th, Netflix announced on its website that "the Basic Membership will no longer be available to new or returning subscribers." The Basic Membership was essentially the basic plan, offering 720p resolution and allowing only one simultaneous viewer.

[Photo by Reuters·Yonhap News]

From this day forward, new or changing subscribers to Netflix will not be able to select this plan. Going forward, new subscribers who want to watch content without ads will have to pay at least 13,500 KRW per month.

Currently, Netflix's plans include the ad-supported Standard plan at 5,500 KRW per month, the Standard plan at 13,500 KRW per month, and the Premium plan at 17,000 KRW per month.

Previously, Netflix had stopped new subscriptions to the Basic plan in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Italy, Germany, and Japan. In those countries, subscribers who do not want to watch ads are required to subscribe to more expensive plans.

A Netflix Korea representative explained, "If you are currently using the Basic Membership, you can maintain this membership until you change your plan or cancel your account."

KT also announced on its website on the same day, "As of the 12th, due to circumstances of our partner, the sale of Netflix Basic products will be discontinued. If you subscribe to Netflix through KT OTT subscription or Genie TV, you will not be able to subscribe to the Basic product after the sales end date."