Coupang dives into video-streaming service
The logo of Coupang Play
By Kim Yoo-chul
Coupang, Asia's leading e-commerce company, said Tuesday it has added video streaming as its latest offering for its WOW service members with the launch of Coupang Play.
At no extra cost, subscribers to Coupang's premium membership service can enjoy unlimited video streaming on top of existing benefits, the company said. These include access to its Rocket Fresh service for groceries, free shipping and returns, same-day delivery and even Dawn Delivery, which enables customers who place orders as late as midnight to receive their deliveries by 7 a.m. the next day.
Coupang Play is currently available to Google Android platform users. The company expects to release the Apple iOS version in early January. The service also is set to be expanded next year to include handheld devices such as tablets, connected TVs and PCs.
A screen capture of Coupang Play.
Coupang Play's initial selection includes a wide range of content ― from Hollywood movies such as the “Spider-Man” series and “Bombshell,” to popular Korean variety shows such as “Delicious Guys” and “My Lovely Family” -- the company said.
Coupang Play also features documentaries, educational videos and animation. In addition, it plans to release exclusive streaming content like “CNN 10” and the Showtime series “Your Honor,” starring Emmy winner Bryan Cranston, exclusively streaming in Korea on Coupang Play.
“Coupang continuously strives to improve its customers' lives by introducing and expanding exciting new services,” Coupang Play chief Stephen Kim said. “We are eager to bring content such as Coupang Play Originals to expand our offerings and make this new service even more enjoyable and convenient for our customers.”
To use Coupang Play, WOW members can simply download the app and link it to the main Coupang app to enjoy unlimited video streaming immediately without a separate sign-up process. Up to five profiles can be created on one account, so family members can search for content and receive recommendations based on their personal preferences.
Coupang Play also includes parental control functions such as a PIN lock and a “Kids' Mode” to limit access to certain content and allow children to safely watch family-friendly programs.?
WOW members will also be able to download most of the content on Coupang Play for convenient viewing anywhere, anytime, making it ideal for long-distance travel and in locations with poor internet connections.??
WOW is Coupang's premium membership service, providing customers benefits such as Rocket Delivery, which guarantees delivery by the next day. For a small monthly fee, WOW members receive free shipping on all Rocket Delivery products regardless of price, faster shipping of Rocket Fresh products and other items through Dawn Delivery, and other exclusive benefits such as special discounts and free returns within 30 days, the company said.