www-ikoreantv-com

www-ikoreantv-com emerged as a popular website for streaming Korean TV shows and movies. However, the site’s legal issues ultimately led to its shutdown.

Catering to Fans of Korean Entertainment

Launched in 2013, iKoreanTV sought to be a premier destination for Korean entertainment fans to watch shows, movies, Kpop videos, and more.

The site offered on-demand streaming access to Korean dramas, variety programs, live shows, and films shortly after their release in Korea.

For K-culture fans, especially outside Asia, iKoreanTV became a treasure trove. It satisfied demand for accessible streaming Korean content years before the global Hallyu wave.

Running Afoul of Copyright Law

However, iKoreanTV operated via unauthorized streams ripped from legitimate sources, rather than obtaining proper licensing.

As Korean media companies expanded online, they began filing copyright notices against iKoreanTV for distributing their content without permission.

Despite switching domains multiple times, iKoreanTV could not shake off its reputation as an illegal streaming site. The legal pressure steadily mounted.

Shut Down and Transition to Licensed Services

By 2017, major web hosts and registrars revoked their services to iKoreanTV, forcing it offline permanently.

But the demand iKoreanTV revealed led to the launch of legal Korean streaming platforms internationally. Services like Rakuten Viki filled the void through licensed content.

While skirting copyright law, iKoreanTV pioneered Korean streaming during a transitional pre-licensing period. The site’s controversial legacy helped accelerate the modern digital distribution of Hallyu content.