[Alpha Biz=(Chicago) Reporter Paul Lee] Global online video service (OTT) Netflix has stopped selling "Basic Membership (9,500 won per month)," the cheapest rate plan that does not require viewing advertisements. Critics point out that it is actually an increase in fares.
Netflix said on its website on the 14th that "basic membership is no longer available to new or re-subscribed members." However, if you are currently subscribing to a basic membership, you can maintain the plan until you change your membership or terminate your account.
Netflix has eliminated basic membership in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom since it introduced an "advertising standard" in November last year that requires users to watch advertisements while watching videos.
In addition, the membership was abolished in Korea. As a result, Netflix membership has been reduced to three: a standard with advertisements (5,500 won per month), a standard without ads (13,500 won per month), and a premium without ads (17,000 won per month).
Last month, Netflix also applied a policy to Korean users that they have to pay an additional 5,000 won per month to share their accounts with users who do not live in the same household. The basic membership was then abolished within a month.
AlphaBIZ 폴 리(hoondork1977@alphabiz.co.kr)
