Starting March 21, 2025, Coupang Play will exclusively offer original content from the renowned American networks HBO and HBO Max in South Korea. This announcement comes after Coupang Play secured a content partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery, owners of these popular platforms, allowing for the return of much-loved HBO series that have been largely inaccessible in the country since Wavve did not renew its contract with HBO in mid-2023.
Among the much-anticipated series making their debut is the drama adaptation of the video game The Last of Us. Starring Pedro Pascal, this series follows Joel, a smuggler tasked with escorting a young girl, Ellie, who is perceived as humanity's last hope. Their initially cold relationship evolves as they navigate a perilous journey together, forming a familial bond against the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic world. Upon its initial airing, The Last of Us achieved remarkable success, becoming the fourth-largest series debut on U.S. premium cable channels in the past 13 years, right after the likes of House of the Dragon.
The content lineup on Coupang Play will not be limited to this exciting game adaptation. Badges of honor from HBO, including popular titles such as Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, Newsroom, and Band of Brothers, will accompany the release of over 60 dramas. Coupang Play's initiative represents not only a shift in the availability of these series but also a strategic move to capture the existing demand for high-quality international content in Korea.
Wavve, a previous player in this space, was instrumental in delivering HBO’s Game of Thrones and Chernobyl to Korean audiences when it first started. However, as their exclusive contract ended in 2023, HBO content became a rarity in the region. As Netflix continues to distinguish itself with exclusive offerings beyond the reach of typical viewers, Korean OTT platforms like Coupang Play are stepping up with quality international deals.
Tving, another local player, reinforces this trend by pursuing partnerships with major content providers. After operating a dedicated Paramount+ section, Tving has pivoted to include Apple TV+ branded content, consisting of notable shows like Pachinko. This reflects a broader strategy among Korean platforms to diversify their content libraries with acclaimed international offerings.
As fans eagerly await the clock to strike on March 21, they will be treated to other fascinating titles. Season 3 of The White Lotus will grip viewers as it shifts settings from Hawaii and Italy to Thailand, continuing the show’s trend of exploring the darker side of lavish locales with its intense storylines revolving around conflicting social classes and human desires.
Another shining gem heading to Coupang Play is Succession. This black comedy drama dives into the tumultuous life of the Roy family, owners of a global media empire, while showcasing impeccable performances from an outstanding cast featuring Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong, and Sarah Snook. Notably, Succession had a historic competitive streak at various award shows, often cited in the same breaths as monumental productions like Squid Game.
Fans of science fiction will also find a treat with Dune: Prophecy. This prequel series, which expands the rich lore surrounding the iconic film Dune, unfolds centuries before the movie’s events. The series promises to delve into the origins of the Bene Gesserit sisterhood and their ascent to power, offering viewers an intricate view of histories and political maneuvers not covered in the film.
Additionally, Colin Farrell will reprise his role as Oswald Cobblepot, known as “The Penguin” in the highly anticipated series that explores his rise in Gotham’s criminal underbelly. After his impactful presence in The Batman, excitement builds to see the development of his character's ambitions and methods as he navigates the dark alleyways of his city.
With these substantial titles, Coupang Play is not just filling a void left by previous OTT contracts but also reshaping the viewing experience for Korean audiences. As the tide of streaming services continues to fluctuate, viewers can expect more fresh and varied content, thereby ensuring that the landscape of digital entertainment in Korea remains vibrant and competitive.
In a rapidly evolving industry characterized by aggressive moves from local platforms competing against international giants, the partnership between Coupang Play and Warner Bros. Discovery stands to redefine the future of streaming in Korea. As audiences prepare for March 21, the stage is clearly set for a new era in content consumption that could further elevate the standard of entertainment available to Korean viewers.
