# Propaganda-Streaming Services North Korea's 'Manbang' is the Country's Version of Netflix By Joey Haar | Published 2016-08-22 | World Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/manbang References: [digitaltrends](http://www.digitaltrends.com/movies/north-korea-streaming-service/?utm_source=feedly&utm_medium=webfeeds) & [nknews.org](https://www.nknews.org/2016/08/netflix-style-video-on-demand-comes-to-north-korea-state-tv-shows/) 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/netflix-sleeping-bag). 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/netflix-4) [Prime](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xumo). 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. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.6/10 - Popularity: 32% | Activity: 38% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [World](https://www.trendhunter.com/world) > [Regional](https://www.trendhunter.com/regional) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Propaganda-streaming Services:** The rise of state-supported propaganda streaming services as a way of influencing and controlling cultural and political narratives. - **Set-top Box Streaming Services:** The popularity of set-top box streaming services as a cost-effective way of accessing on-demand content. - **Nationalized Internet Services:** The development of nationalized internet services as a means of controlling access to information and supporting state propaganda. ### Where This Applies - **Media:** Opportunities for media companies to create targeted content for specific national audiences, including state-sponsored content. - **Technology:** The opportunity for technology companies to develop technologies and set-top boxes optimized for national internet services and censorship. - **Politics:** Increased monitoring and regulation of national internet services as a strategic battleground for global political influence. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Streaming Service Sleeping Bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/netflix-sleeping-bag.md) - [Korean Streaming Sequels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/money-heist-korea.md) - [AI-Personalized Streaming Boxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comcast.md) - [Popcorn Dispenser Billboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/popcorn-dispenser-billboard.md) - [Netflix-Licensed Home Projectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dangbei-neo.md) - [Space Exploration Streaming Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nasa-streaming-service.md) - [Early-Access TV Gaming Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/netflix-4.md) - [Streaming Service Snack Ranges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/netflix-now-popping.md) - [Streaming Service Game Controllers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/game-controller-app.md)