News

North Korea Now Has Its Own Version Of Netflix

North Korea is one of just four territories in the world where Netflix is not accessible, but residents of the isolated communist nation need not worry, as they now can access their very own streaming service. The North Korean government has announced Manbang, which delivers government-sponsored media into the homes of Kim Jong-un’s denizens.

Manbang translates to “everywhere” or “every direction,” and it will be available in North Korean homes through a set-top box. While the western world hasn’t yet sussed out the full slate of content offered by Manbang, the service reportedly carries English and Russian language lessons, state-sanctioned TV programs, propoganda films, and updates about the Dear Leader himself. It’s apparently a big hit with the kids, according to Kim Kum-hee, a North Korean schoolteacher. “Now they are glued to the TV screen for hours a day,” she said of local children

.

Information about Manbang is available in a video released by state-run broadcaster Korean Central Television. The video’s description says it will be “soon available with English subtitles,” but until then, its content is mostly a mystery to those of us who don’t speak a word of the local tongue.

Subscribe to get the latest creator news

Subscribe

Since North Korea is one of the few territories exempt from Netflix’s international push, it would be understandable if our own streaming video on-demand leader saw Manbang as a challenger of sorts. Instead, Netflix has responded with levity by changing its Twitter description to read “Manbang knockoff.” “We are bummed we didn’t think of that name first,” a company representative jokingly told Business Insider.

Share
Published by
Sam Gutelle

Recent Posts

Could a free tier be coming to Disney Plus?

It’s no secret that streaming services are struggling to keep pace with YouTube. Google’s video…

2 days ago

Have you heard? MrBeast dives into ‘Shark Tank’ and Kick enters the Octagon.

Each week, we handpick a selection of stories to give you a snapshot of trends,…

2 days ago

Meta’s latest feature uses Instagram content for AI fodder. SAG-AFTRA and CAA aren’t happy.

Update: Meta has reversed course in response to community backlash. In an update posted July…

3 days ago

Netflix snags The Stokes Twins’ YouTube library as its next piece of creator content

Netflix is making another addition to its lineup of creator content, and this time, it's adding…

3 days ago

TikTok’s U.S. tour will serve as a reminder of its small business impact

The summer of 2026 includes the 250th birthday of the United States, but it's also…

3 days ago

A documentary shares the history of card collecting, and its creator-led future

You may remember the story of your first Pokémon card, but you probably don't know the story…

4 days ago