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Google Unbundles YouTube Services Following Korean Competition Probe

By  |  November 27, 2025

Google plans to roll out a more affordable YouTube subscription that excludes music streaming in South Korea, according to The Korean Times. The country’s Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) announced Thursday that the U.S. tech company agreed to introduce the new service after months of scrutiny over whether bundling YouTube Music with YouTube Premium hindered fair competition.

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    Per The Korean Times, the arrangement comes as part of a corrective proposal Google submitted to the KFTC, which has been examining concerns that the mandatory bundle limited consumer choice. Regulators argued that users who wanted ad-free video streaming were effectively compelled to pay for a music service they might not need.

    The new product, known as YouTube Premium Lite, will allow users to watch videos without ads, continue playback in the background and download content for offline viewing, according to The Korean Times. Existing Premium and Music Premium plans will remain in place. Pricing is set at 8,500 won ($5.80) per month for Android and web users and 10,900 won for those subscribing on iOS.

    Read more: Dem Senators Demand Answers From Google on Timing of YouTube’s Trump Lawsuit Settlement

    Premium Lite has already launched in 19 other countries, but South Korea will see the lowest relative pricing among larger markets, officials noted. “The pricing will remain in effect for at least one year and, even if adjustments are made, will stay lower than prices in major overseas markets for up to four years,” an kFTC official said.

    Google is required to introduce Premium Lite within 90 days of receiving official approval of the consent decision, according to The Korean Times.

    Last year, the KFTC issued a report accusing Google Korea of abusing its market position by linking the two subscription services. Although a formal legal outcome has not been reached, Google opted to propose voluntary measures instead of prolonging the investigation process.

    Some observers, per The Korean Times, question whether allowing a consent settlement without a ruling on the alleged misconduct could be seen as lenient.