Netflix sued over Squid Game's popularity

Words: Wenlei Ma Producer: Bianca Mastroianni

A once little-known South Korean series has rapidly become the most-watched series on Netflix - but not everybody is pleased about the rise of Squid Game.

South Korean internet service provider, SK Broadband, is suing Netflix over the increased traffic from the popular show.

Netflix has significantly increased its presence in South Korea thanks to its deep-pocketed investment in local TV and film productions.

SK Broadband said Netflix is South Korea’s second-largest traffic generator, but the streaming giant isn’t paying network usage fees.

Netflix had invested 770 billion won ($AU896 million) in South Korea’s TV and film production industry, amounting to 16,000 jobs.

Over the last two years, we’ve seen the world falling in love with the incredible Korean content. Made in Korea and watched by the world on Netflix.

“ - Netflix co-chief executive Ted Sarandos

But SK Broadband wants Netflix to pay for network access dating back to 2018, which for 2020 was 27.2 billion won ($AU31 million).

Squid Game has skyrocketed to the number one spot on Netflix in more than 90 countries, including in Australia.

The series is centred on a violent competition which pits players against one another for 45 billion won ($AU52.4 million).

Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk came up the story 10 years ago when he was living with his mother and grandmother, and had to sell his laptop for cash.

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