Netflix’s success with the South Korean series Squid Game has shed light on the exploitative practices of the streaming giant towards South Korean talent. This includes the lack of residuals and forfeiture of intellectual property rights. The South Korean entertainment industry has a history of labor activism, and Netflix’s disregard for local labor laws puts the company at risk of facing a similar labor protest. The show Squid Game, created by Hwang Dong-hyuk, portrayed the harsh realities of capitalism and resonated with audiences around the world. However, despite the show’s massive success, Hwang revealed that he only made enough money to get by, while Netflix’s value increased by an estimated $900 million. This highlights Netflix’s tendency to cut corners and exploit its creators. The Korea Broadcasting Actors Union has expressed frustration with Netflix’s refusal to pay royalties or residuals to South Korean talent. This lack of support from the streaming giant is particularly concerning considering the billions of dollars it has invested in the South Korean industry. Many below-the-line workers also face severe working conditions, including long hours, unpaid overtime, and chronic understaffing. Additionally, Netflix’s outsourcing of productions to local companies means that they are not legally obligated to engage with unions. Despite this exploitation, Netflix continues to accumulate a vast library of South Korean titles, both licensed and original. The streaming giant prioritizes the acquisition of intellectual property and takes advantage of the existing exploitative infrastructure within the industry. South Korean pop culture has also been marked by tragic stories, such as suicides within the industry, reflecting the intense competition and pressure faced by individuals. However, South Korean workers have a history of fighting back against exploitative practices. The clashes over the screen quota system in the past have led to meaningful improvements in working conditions. However, Netflix’s disregard for local laws hinders progress and perpetuates exploitative conditions. In order to prevent further labor protests and damages to its reputation, Netflix should prioritize fair treatment and compensation for South Korean talent. Otherwise, the company may face a repeat of history, but hopefully with fewer snakes this time.
Denial of responsibility! TechCodex is an automatic aggregator of the all world’s media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
Khushi Patel is a science fiction author who lives in Austin, Texas. She has published three novels, and her work has been praised for its originality and imagination. Khushi is a graduate of Rice University, and she has worked as a software engineer. She is a member of the Science Fiction Writers of America, and her books have been nominated for several awards.
