{"id":2203024,"date":"2023-12-06T18:42:52","date_gmt":"2023-12-06T09:42:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2203024"},"modified":"2023-12-07T16:19:41","modified_gmt":"2023-12-07T07:19:41","slug":"twitchs-exit-highlights-costs-of-south-koreas-insular-digital-strategy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2023\/12\/twitchs-exit-highlights-costs-of-south-koreas-insular-digital-strategy\/","title":{"rendered":"Twitch\u2019s exit highlights costs of South Korea\u2019s insular digital strategy"},"content":{"rendered":"
Amazon\u2019s livestream service Twitch <\/span>announced<\/span><\/a> its intention on Tuesday to halt all operations in South Korea by the end of February, attributing the decision to financial challenges imposed by the <\/span>Network Usage Fee Act<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n The move is a telling example of the tangible effects of regulatory policies on the digital economy, with the withdrawal of Twitch from South Korea poised to impact stakeholders ranging from content creators and viewers to the broader streaming and <\/span>esports sectors<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n This raises critical questions about the economic implications of South Korea\u2019s digital strategy, which risks driving away international players and compromising the country\u2019s ambitions to be a global leader in digital media.<\/span><\/p>\n STREAMERS IN LIMBO<\/b><\/p>\n Twitch\u2019s withdrawal from South Korea is a disruptive shift for its community of streamers and viewers, who numbered approximately <\/span>8 million<\/span><\/a> in 2021. The platform has been more than just a broadcast medium for many South Korean content creators; it has been a <\/span>substantial source of revenue<\/span><\/a> and a hub for community engagement.<\/span><\/p>\n The company\u2019s abrupt exit leaves its content creators facing an uncertain future as they must decide how and if to migrate to other platforms like YouTube or AfreecaTV.<\/span><\/p>\n Twitch said in its announcement that it would help its South Korean users with this transition, but it is fraught with challenges. Each platform has different operational dynamics, audience bases, content algorithms and <\/span>monetization structures<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n Twitch streamers may need to make significant adjustments in their content strategy and community-building efforts on the new platforms. Moreover, such moves risk fragmenting established viewer communities, potentially leading to diminished audience reach and reduced earnings.<\/span><\/p>\n This predicament exposes a crucial aspect of the digital content landscape in South Korea: the susceptibility of content creators to fluctuations in the platform-dependent economy, exacerbated by regulatory measures such as the Network Usage Fee Act.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This act, while aimed at <\/span>managing network traffic and costs<\/span><\/a>, inadvertently places a burden on platforms and, by extension, the content creators who rely on them.<\/span><\/p>\n SHIFTING DIGITAL HORIZONS<\/b><\/p>\n Twitch\u2019s exit from the South Korean market will create a significant gap in not only streaming but also esports, a domain where Twitch has been a major player in South Korean and international markets.<\/span><\/p>\n Existing platforms like YouTube, AfreecaTV and Naver will likely absorb a significant portion of Twitch\u2019s user base. However, it is unclear if these platforms will adjust their features and policies to cater to the influx of new users and content creators.<\/span><\/p>\n Among the two platforms, Twitch streamers will likely find it easier to transition to AfreecaTV and <\/span>Naver<\/span><\/a> as both companies cater to <\/span>similar markets and demographics<\/span><\/a>. This shift could encourage AfreecaTV and other local streaming platforms to further innovate.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n However, AfreecaTV\u2019s lack of international presence compared to Twitch will likely impact South Korean streamers\u2019 revenues.<\/span><\/p>\n