Wavve is a South Korean digital streaming service that is considered one of the top streaming platforms in the country. Like most other platforms in the country, the service offers a variety of Korean content, including K-dramas, films, live TV, and more.
But is subscribing to Wavve worth it? And what other things should you know about the platform before you sign up?
Below is a detailed review of the streaming platform, with the top facts you should know if you plan to use it for your streaming sessions.
1. Who owns Wavve?
The streaming platform is a joint venture owned by SK Telcom (South Korea’s largest telecommunications company) and KBS, MBC, and SBS (three of the largest Korean TV broadcasters).
The platform was formed following a merger between Oksusu (an OTT streaming app owned by SK Telco) and Pooq (a video-on-demand platform jointly owned by KBS, MBC, and SBS).
The merger was completed in 2019, with Wavve starting its commercial operations on September 18th of that year.
At the time of the merger, SK Telcom was the largest shareholder, with a 30% stake in the joint venture. On the other hand, the three Korean broadcasters each held an equal stake of 23.3%.
2. Is Wavve free to watch?
Wavve is not a free streaming service; you need a subscription to access content.
The streaming service offers three monthly subscription plans:
- Wavve Basic: A one-user plan at ₩7,900 ($5.68)
- Wavve Standard: A two-user plan at ₩10,900 ($7.84)
- Wavve Premium: A four-user plan at ₩13,900 ($10)
Besides these subscription plans, Wavve also offers bundled packages with TVING, another top Korean streaming platform. The two platforms are in the process of merging, with the merger having received a go-ahead in June 2025.
However, the merger is not yet complete, with the Korean Fair Trade Commission requiring each platform to maintain its current subscription fees until the end of 2026.
Nonetheless, users of both streaming services can purchase bundle plans that give them access to each of their content. The bundle plans, called “Double Pass,” are as follows:
- Double Slim: Offers TVING ad-supported and Wavve Basic plans.
- Double Basic: Offers TVING Basic and Wavve Basic plans.
- Double Standard: Offers TVING Standard and Wavve Standard plans.
- Double Premium: Offers TVING Premium and Wavve Premium plans.
3. What type of content can you watch on the streaming platform?
Wavve is primarily marketed in the South Korean market, and thus, its main focus is Korean content. Below is a detailed breakdown of the content you can find on the platform.
TV shows
Wavve offers a variety of TV shows, most of which are K-dramas in genres like romance, crime, comedy, fantasy, history, and more. A good number of the dramas are from the three Korean broadcasters who own the platform – KBS, SBS, and MBC.
While the platform’s main focus is on Korean content, it also features several foreign TV shows from countries like Japan, Taiwan, China, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Some of the popular foreign dramas on the platform include:
- The Rookie
- FBI
- FBI: Most Wanted
- The Day of the Jackal
- The Good Doctor
- SAS Rouge Heroes
- St. Dennis Medical
- The 19th Medical Chart (Japan)
- The Prisoner of Beauty (China)
- Dusk Love (China)
- Dalgliesh
Movies
Wavve has a large collection of on-demand movie titles. As you would expect, the platform has several Korean movies in various genres.
However, the streaming service also carries a good selection of foreign movies, from countries like the U.K., the United States, China, and Japan. Additionally, it offers several animated films, making it a top platform to consider if you are an anime fan.
Original content
Since its inception, Wavve has always strived to produce original content to maintain its competitive edge against streaming giants like Netflix. Today, it has achieved that goal, with several dramas and films on the platform being originals.
Wavve’s original content production received a boost in 2022 after the streaming service acquired Kocowa (now Wave Americas), one of the largest distributors of original Korean content worldwide.
Live TV
Besides on-demand content, Wavve offers access to over 100 live TV channels, including live streams of the Korean broadcasters that own the platform.
Other channels offered include:
- Hyundai Home Shopping
- YTN 23
- SK Stoa
- Public Home Shopping
- EBS 1
- Channel A
- MBN
- EBS
- iHQ TtungTV
- Channel J
4. In which countries can you access the streaming service?
The streaming service is primarily available in South Korea. However, the platform also offers a “Wavve go” service for users traveling abroad.
Under Wavve go, subscribers can access the platform in seven Southeast Asian countries:
- Malaysia
- Indonesia
- Philippines
- Thailand
- Vietnam
- Singapore
- Laos
However, Wavve also has a global presence through its digital streamer service Kocowa; Wavve’s content is found on Kocowa, allowing users outside the above regions to access the streaming service.
Currently, Kocowa is available in over 70 countries worldwide:
- Americas: the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and several Latin American countries.
- Oceania: Australia, New Zealand, Guam, Samoa, American Samoa, and Northern Mariana Islands.
- Europe: the United Kingdom, Ireland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Portugal, and several others.
5. How to watch Wavve?
Wavve streaming service supports several devices. Below is a look at these supported devices:
- Computing devices: You can access the streaming platform online via web browsers on your computer or other internet-connected devices.
- Mobile devices: You can watch Wavve via Android and iOS mobile apps.
- Smart TV: The Wavve app is available on several Google and Apple TVs.
- Streaming boxes: You can access the platform via Android streaming boxes and select OTT set-top boxes.
You need an account to start streaming on Wavve. You can sign up for one on the platform’s website or via the app.
After signing up, you will also need to purchase one of the Wavve subscription plans to start streaming content.
Note: You can sign up for Kocowa if you can’t access Wavve in your country. While the experience won’t be the same, some of Wavve’s content is available in Kocowa’s library; plus, Kocowa offers a great selection of Korean content.
Is Wavve worth it?
Wavve is one of the top streaming services in Korea, with an impressive content lineup that includes thousands of on-demand titles and over 100 live TV channels.
Therefore, it can be worth the effort to subscribe to the platform, particularly if you are a fan of Korean content.
Apart from content, Wavve’s subscription fees are affordable. The prices might increase in the future due to the platform’s merger with TVING, but this will also mean access to more content.