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Wavve Originals and Public Broadcasting Synergy — KBS · SBS · MBC Collaboration · OTT Regulation Policy
1) Introduction — Public Media in the Streaming Era
Wavve stands as a unique Korean OTT platform built from the synergy of KBS, SBS, and MBC. By merging traditional public broadcasting credibility with modern streaming flexibility, it represents Korea’s national response to the global content race led by Netflix and Disney+. Wavve’s hybrid model bridges heritage storytelling and digital innovation.
2) Public Broadcasting Collaboration Framework
The alliance among the “Big Three” broadcasters allows Wavve to integrate decades of drama archives, news programming, and variety shows into one unified OTT service. This joint ownership structure ensures consistent funding, cross-platform promotion, and shared audience analytics across all broadcasters.
- Joint Ownership: KBS, SBS, MBC each hold stakes through Content Alliance Platform.
- Unified Library: 50,000+ drama and entertainment titles accessible on-demand.
- Cross-Promotion: Wavve-linked teasers aired on national television for brand recall.
3) Wavve Originals — National Creativity for the Digital Age
Since 2020, Wavve has invested heavily in Wavve Originals— projects that showcase public storytelling with cinematic quality. Series like Weak Hero Class 1, Tracer, and Political Fever demonstrate how traditional broadcasters can evolve into digital-first creators.
- Investment: ₩600 billion allocated for 2022–2025 content expansion.
- Genre Variety: From political satire to youth action thrillers.
- Audience Target: 20–40 demographic with high OTT engagement.
4) Advertising and Subscription Hybrid Model
| Model Type | Description | Strategic Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| AVOD (Ad-Based) | Free access with commercial advertising | Attracts casual and younger viewers |
| SVOD (Subscription) | Ad-free model with exclusive content | Increases user retention and brand loyalty |
| Hybrid Mix | Dynamic pricing based on viewing frequency | Balances ad revenue and subscription growth |
5) Policy and Regulation Strategy
As a national platform, Wavve complies with Korean broadcasting law while adapting to OTT-specific policies. Its position as a semi-public service ensures content diversity, media ethics, and accessibility. This balance of cultural responsibility and competitiveness sets it apart from global giants.
6) Challenges in the Domestic OTT Landscape
- Content Costs: Maintaining large libraries and new originals strains budgets.
- Regulatory Burden: Must align with public ethics and international streaming norms.
- Audience Fragmentation: Competition with YouTube, Netflix, and TVING reduces market share.
7) Future Outlook — Wavve’s Role in the National Content Ecosystem
Wavve’s long-term strategy focuses on AI subtitle generation, regional partnerships, and co-production with Southeast Asian networks. By fusing public trust with private innovation, Wavve will remain a vital cultural bridge — preserving Korea’s storytelling heritage while expanding its influence across the global digital stage.
