Streaming Services for Korean Dramas: Netflix versus Viki

In the USA, the most popular streaming sites for Korean dramas are Netflix and Viki. Maybe I shouldd say, the most popular streaming sites that I know of.  I have been a long-time Netflix subscriber and even though I give Netflix credit for introducing me to the wonderful world of Korean drama, I am a loyal Viki viewer. I became a loyal Viki viewer because Netflix didn't have enough TV series and movies to satisfy my appetite.  Especially not enough sageuk or historical period K-dramas.

These days, Netflix has added lots more K-dramas to their database; and their Netflix Original Series are very entertaining.  The Viki Original Series are equally entertaining.

• If you want to watch a Netflix Original Series, I highly recommend: Mr. Sunshine (2018); My Country: The New Age (2019); and The King's Affection (2021).  

• If you want to watch a Viki Original Series, I highly recommend:  Lovers of the Red Sky (2021); and The King Loves (2017).  Viki has lots more original series that I could suggest but I prefer to finish them and write reviews first, before telling others to dd to their watch list.

Rakuten Viki ~ The Heart of Asian Entertainment

𝐃𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐊𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐬?

Who knows what else I might find if I check different streaming sites. Thanks!!

Three (3) Classic Films That Have No Equal or Comparison

Once upon a Xmas, my kids gifted me a Fire TV that allows me to use several streaming services. What I really like is that I can often find some of my favorite old movies to rewatch.

Image credit: AI_Generated Image Created Using DreamUP AI Art Tool plus movie poster found on Wikipedia

There are 3 movies in my lifetime that I have watched that I can rewatch over and over. They are the “gold standard”. All other movies must measure up to them. If you have not watched them I guarantee you that will be at the top of your rewatch list for FOREVER!

📺📺📺

(1) Gladiator (2000)

A gladiator who defied an emperor. This movie had a stellar cast but it would have been nothing without Russell Crowe's portrayal of a gladiator. “My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius, commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions and loyal servant to the TRUE emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife. And I will have my vengeance, in this life or the next.”  WATCH TRAILER

Image credit

(2) Enter the Dragon (1973)

A government intelligence agency recruits Bruce Lee's character to go to a secret island and find a missing operative. He accepts the mission for personal reasons. This film showcased martial arts skills that the world had never seen. Memorable quote: "It is like a finger pointing away to the moon. Don't concentrate on the finger or you will miss all that heavenly glory."  WATCH TRAILER.

Image credit

(3) The Guns of Navarone (1961)

The military assembles a team of men who have specific skills needed to carry out a special operation. They have to blow up Nazi-held Navarone, a mountain loaded with enemy guns! Can they do it? To borrow a quote from Gregory Peck's character: “With everyone one of us a genius. How can we fail?”  WATCH TRAILER.

Image credit

Final note: “To Kill a Mockingbird” (1962) is worthy of honorable mention.

• Four (4) FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming) Platforms to Watch Korean Dramas

Introducing Amazon Fire TV 32-inch 2-Series 720p HD #smartTV with Fire TV Alexa Voice Remote, stream live TV without cable https://t.co/fj2l5VX8Ze via @amazon #amazondeals #homeentertainment #electronics #consumerelectronics @goshoppingbees ~ BEST DEAL EVER!! pic.twitter.com/9fTjqRdOC3

— Treathyl Fox (aka cmoneyspinner) ~ #Freelancer (@cmoneyspinner) May 22, 2023

Rakuten Viki is Truly the Heart of Asian Entertainment

Rakuten Viki is an OTT video streaming website and there is no question that it is LEGIT. This media streaming service boasts that it is the “heart of Asian entertainment” and that is not brag, it's fact. I mainly go to the platform for Korean dramas but they have movies and TV shows that are Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Taiwanese, etc.

Image credit:  Amazon.com Download App

The parent corporation, Rakuten Group, Inc., is a Japanese technology conglomerate based in Tokyo, in business since 1997. Rakuten Viki is a subsidiary founded in 2007, and headquartered in California USA.

• FUN FACT: In 2011, this streaming service won the Crunchie award for best international start-up company.

When Rakuten acquired Viki (during 2013) it was a signal that Rakuten is positioning its $16 billion Internet services ecosystem as a competitor to Amazon and Netflix.

BEST FEATURES:

• Viki provides subtitles for 200 different languages. I love the English subtitles because the translation is very accurate. So far I have not seen any English-dubbed content like on Netflix. But I'm OK with reading the subtitles.

• Viki offers a wide range of content ~ films, series, etc. in various genres ~ released more than a decade ago up to the present; plus it produces its own original content. Their database is constantly updated. The company signed distribution deals with Hulu, Netflix, and others. So do not be surprised if you find Viki original content on other streaming platforms.

You can watch some content with ads. But they also have a subscription service which is very inexpensive. Based on my personal experience:

• I started with the Standard subscription for $4.99 per month; then

• Upgraded to Viki Plus for $9.99 a month.

I enjoy watching content on my Amazon Fire TV; but it can be viewed on desktops, laptops, or mobile devices. The app is available on Google Play. I have NO complaints about this streaming service and would definitely recommend it to others. 

Visit the official website: Viki.com

Subscribe to Viki Global TV on YouTube

Have you tried the Rakuten Viki streaming platform?

BMF Reviews

Tubi TV is One of My Favorite Go-to Ad-Supported Streaming Service

I am old school and grew up watching television with commercials.  So ad-supported streaming platforms that offer free movies and TV shows are OK with me.  It is just like how I used to watch TV! (LOL)  Besides, once they started putting those ad blockers in browsers, I figured the advertisers would come up with a viable solution to get past the block.  That being said, there are so many of these platforms out there that it might be hard for you to choose.  

Tubi TV is one of my choices.

Tubi is one of my favorite Go-to ad-supported streaming sites for FREE entertainment. It is an OTT platform owned by Fox Corporation and was launched in 2014. As of January 2023, Tubi has 64 million monthly active users and I am one of those happy users. 

It offers a wide range of movies and TV shows in different genres. My favorite genres are classic movies, old black-and-white TV shows, and Korean dramas. It also has LIVE channels to watch the news and other programs.

It is LEGIT. No credit cards. No subscription. The app is available on Google Play. However, if you own an AmazonFire TV, simply download the app, activate your account, and start watching. They also have a separate part of the platform that is kid-friendly. I have been using this service for years and would definitely recommend it to others.

• Visit the official website: Tubi TV. Follow on Twitter: @Tubi.

BMF Reviews