North Korea isn't a country known for providing free, on-demand communication, but the country's new service, called 'Manbang,' represents a minor recognition of the influence of Western culture in the isolated nation. Manbang, which is Korean for "Everywhere," is North Korea's version of Netflix.
Though the service is not entirely Internet-based, relying on a set-top box to stream rather than a computer alone, it nonetheless offers on-demand Internet streaming in the same way as popular services like Netflix or Amazon Prime. Through Manbang, North Koreans can stream five of the countries standard TV stations, as well as a narrow selection of on-demand content. As one might expect, the on-demand content is primarily propaganda, featuring "documentary films about the leadership," according to NK News.
Propaganda-Streaming Services
North Korea's 'Manbang' is the Country's Version of Netflix
Trend Themes
1. Propaganda-streaming Services - The rise of state-supported propaganda streaming services as a way of influencing and controlling cultural and political narratives.
2. Set-top Box Streaming Services - The popularity of set-top box streaming services as a cost-effective way of accessing on-demand content.
3. Nationalized Internet Services - The development of nationalized internet services as a means of controlling access to information and supporting state propaganda.
Industry Implications
1. Media - Opportunities for media companies to create targeted content for specific national audiences, including state-sponsored content.
2. Technology - The opportunity for technology companies to develop technologies and set-top boxes optimized for national internet services and censorship.
3. Politics - Increased monitoring and regulation of national internet services as a strategic battleground for global political influence.