Coupang Play

Coupang Play launched on December 24, 2020, as a video-on-demand service built from the assets of the defunct Hooq platform. The brand quickly found its footing by offering a subscription fee that felt reasonable compared to giants like Netflix, Wavve, and TVING. A viral sketch from Saturday Night Live Korea lampooning presidential candidates in 2022 gave the service a massive boost in public attention. It sits inside the Rocket Wow paid membership tier, bundling streaming with other delivery perks for subscribers.

Kim Bomin serves as the driving force behind the company's strategic expansion into media while leading Coupang as CEO. The platform distinguishes itself through heavy investment in original programming including dramas, variety shows, and sports broadcasting rights. Notable recent developments include the production of high-profile series such as I'm Solo, which was later acquired exclusively by Netflix in August 2026 according to recent reports.

The platform also secured rights to broadcast Big Bang's 20th-anniversary concert and other major music events. In terms of market position, Coupang Play competes directly with other major South Korean streamers but relies on its integration with the Rocket Wow subscription model for significant value. Recent news from August 2026 indicates that certain popular titles were moved exclusively to Netflix, signaling a shift in content strategy or licensing disputes within the crowded OTT landscape. [edit]