{"id":106490,"date":"2025-11-28T13:05:15","date_gmt":"2025-11-28T13:05:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/?p=106490"},"modified":"2025-11-28T13:05:18","modified_gmt":"2025-11-28T13:05:18","slug":"youtube-premium-lite-launch-in-korea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/youtube-premium-lite-launch-in-korea\/","title":{"rendered":"YouTube Premium Lite is officially coming to South Korea"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A lighter YouTube subscription is coming to South Korea, marking a big regulatory win and a boost for Korea\u2019s music ecosystem.<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

YouTube\u2019s Lite experience lands in South Korea<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

After months of speculation, YouTube Premium Lite will officially launch in South Korea by the end of the year. That\u2019s YouTube\u2019s stripped back version of Premium that gives users ad-free viewing without access to YouTube Music<\/a>, offline downloads, and background play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to The Korea Herald<\/a>, it will land at 8,500 won (roughly $5.80) for Android and web users, and 10,900 won (roughly $7.40) for iOS. Google has also committed to keeping these prices the same for at least four years, and to not raise Premium prices for at least a year after Lite launches.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The rollout will begin with limited access for select users, followed by a short pilot period before the full launch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A launch after an antitrust investigation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The news doesn\u2019t come out of nowhere either. It follows a lengthy investigation<\/a> by South Korea\u2019s Fair Trade Commission into whether the YouTube Premium bundle was anti-competitive. The issue centred around whether the bundling of YouTube Music within the Premium was unfairly hindering local streaming services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Google negotiated with the FTC to resolve the investigation<\/a>, and following their agreement YouTube Premium Lite is clear to roll out. But, it\u2019s more than just that. It also includes a meaningful investment into Korea\u2019s music ecosystem. The company has committed 30 billion won (around $20.4m) to create a co-prosperity fund supporting Korea\u2019s music industry, and will be independently administered by the Educational Broadcasting System to ensure it operates transparently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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YouTube reaches agreement with South Korea over music bundling investigation<\/a><\/blockquote>