Netflix to Launch in Korea, Southeast Asia in 2016

Netflix, the video-streaming giant, will continue its international expansion with the launch of services in the richest parts of Southeast Asia in early 2016.

The U.S. company said that it will expand into South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan in early 2016. It described the regional launches as part of its plan “to complete its global rollout by the end of next year.”

At launch the service will operate on smart TVs, tablets and smartphones, computers and a range of Internet-capable game consoles and set-top boxes. Details on pricing, programming and supported devices will be unveiled later.

Elsewhere in the region, Netflix launched in Australia in March and in Japan earlier this month. It is understood to be looking at ways of entering China, where there are large local incumbents and a protectionist government.

“The combination of increasing Internet speeds and ubiquity of connected devices provides consumers with the anytime, anywhere ability to enjoy their favorite TV shows and movies on the Netflix service,” said Reed Hastings, chief executive officer of Netflix. “These four markets well represent those trends.”

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