In a move that it says marks its continuous commitment to strengthen its premium Asian content line-up, pan-regional over-the-top (OTT) video service provider Viu has inked a deal to gain access to over 80% of Korean cable TV firm JTBC.
The deal is described as the largest regional content volume that JTBC has signed in Asia and complements Viu's existing Korean content from major broadcasters KBS, MBC, SBS and CJ E&M. Indeed, Viu now claims to offer its viewers the largest volume of Korean drama series and variety shows in Southeast Asia. Its users can now enjoy hundreds of hours of content from JTBC's new drama series and variety shows, with local language subtitles, in some cases only four hours after they telecast in South Korea. The bouquet will be targeted at Korean content fans in key markets like Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines.
"We are pleased to present JTBC's exciting programme line-up to fans across Asia which reaffirms Viu's commitment to bringing premium Asian content to our viewers and our position as the preeminent OTT video platform in Asia," commented Janice Lee, managing director of Viu parent company PCCW Media Group. In continuing to enrich the breadth and depth of content, Viu has also been expanding its content portfolio with Viu Original series which comprise series produced in Indian, Chinese and Indonesian languages, collaborating with award-winning directors, renowned artistes and premium production houses in the region."
Added JTBC content hub chief executive officer Jung Kyung-moon: "The drama series and variety shows of JTBC have a track record of success with high ratings bearing testament to their excellent quality and high entertainment value. While we will continue to maintain our premium standards in all our productions, we are very pleased to collaborate with Viu, one of Asia's foremost OTT video services, so that our programs could access a bigger audience across the region with Viu's highly engaged user base."