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Google Proposes Standalone YouTube Premium Lite in South Korea Under FTC Consent Decree

The plan opens a 30-day stakeholder review of an ad-free video-only tier featuring yearlong rate freezes, trial offers, and a dedicated fund for Korean music artists before a year-end rollout.

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In this file photo, an official at the Fair Trade Commission (FTC) speaks to reporters on the FTC's decision to begin a consent decision procedure following Google's proposal to launch a standalone YouTube video streaming subscription service to address allegations of unfair market practices at the government complex in the central city of Sejong on May 22, 2025. (Yonhap)
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Logos of YouTube and YouTube Music (Yonhap)

Overview

  • The Fair Trade Commission will gather feedback on Google’s Premium Lite proposal until August 14 before deciding on the consent decree.
  • YouTube Premium Lite is priced at 8,500 won per month for Android users and 10,900 won for iOS users, about half the cost of the bundled service.
  • Google has pledged to freeze subscription rates for both the new Lite tier and existing YouTube Premium plans for at least one year.
  • Discount plans through local telecom providers and retailers are expected to benefit up to 2.1 million consumers.
  • If approved, Google must roll out Premium Lite within 90 days and will offer a two-month free trial to new subscribers and existing Premium users who switch.