No, Viki and Kocowa are not the same; they are distinct streaming services that specialize in Korean and other Asian entertainment content. While they often feature overlapping libraries of shows, they operate as separate entities with different ownership and subscription models.
Viki, also known as Rakuten Viki, is a global streaming platform owned by the Japanese e-commerce company Rakuten. It provides a vast collection of Asian dramas, movies, and variety shows, including a substantial amount of Korean content. Viki is well-known for its unique community-driven subtitling, where fans contribute to translating content into various languages. It offers different subscription tiers, such as Viki Pass, which allows for ad-free viewing and access to exclusive content.
Kocowa, an acronym for "Korean Content Wave," is a separate streaming service formed as a partnership between the three major South Korean broadcast companies: KBS (Korean Broadcasting System), MBC (Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation), and SBS (Seoul Broadcasting System). This platform focuses on providing a wide range of the latest Korean content directly from these broadcasters, including popular TV dramas, variety shows, and K-pop concerts.
Key Differences and Relationship
The primary distinction lies in their ownership, content sourcing, and access:
- Ownership and Structure: Viki is a subsidiary of Rakuten, while Kocowa is a joint venture directly owned by the three main Korean public broadcasters.
- Content Source: Viki licenses content from various production companies and broadcasters worldwide. Kocowa, conversely, is the direct platform for content originating from KBS, MBC, and SBS.
- Subscription Access: Importantly, a Viki Pass subscription does not include access to Kocowa's separate website (Kocowa.com). This means that while a Viki Pass (particularly the 'Plus' tier) might offer shows licensed from Kocowa and available on the Viki platform, it does not grant you a subscription to Kocowa's independent streaming service itself.
Viki vs. Kocowa: A Comparison
| Feature | Viki (Rakuten Viki) | Kocowa |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Rakuten (Japanese company) | Joint venture of KBS, MBC, SBS (Korean broadcasters) |
| Primary Focus | Broad Asian content (Korean, Chinese, Japanese, etc.) | Exclusively Korean content |
| Content Source | Licenses from various production companies | Direct output from KBS, MBC, SBS |
| Subtitles | Community-driven and professional | Professional |
| Website Access | Viki.com | Kocowa.com |
| Subscription | Viki Pass (Basic, Standard, Plus) | Separate Kocowa subscription |
| Interoperability | Viki Pass does not include access to Kocowa.com | Independent platform |
In essence, while both services are prime destinations for fans of Korean entertainment and often share content due to licensing agreements, they are distinct platforms with separate operations and subscription requirements.
