South Korea Nears Decision on Theater-to-Streaming Holdback Rules

Dragon Media News Desk

South Korea is moving closer to a decision on how long films should remain exclusive to theaters before becoming available on streaming and other digital platforms.

A public-private consultative body led by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korean Film Council has been discussing the issue since May. The group includes 22 representatives from film production, distribution, cinemas and digital platforms.

Discussions center on reforming film distribution, creating sustainable revenue models and finding a workable balance between theaters and streaming services.

Separately, a proposal before the National Assembly has raised the possibility of introducing a uniform six-month holdback period before theatrically released films can move to digital platforms.

Consumer groups have opposed a mandatory six-month rule, arguing that a uniform restriction could reduce audience choice and that consumer interests have not been sufficiently represented.

With producers, directors, theater operators, streaming companies and viewers holding different priorities, the outcome could significantly influence the future relationship between theatrical exhibition and digital distribution in South Korea.