[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] Seoul, South Korea – May 25, 2025 – SOOP, a leading domestic streaming platform, will significantly raise its subscription prices—up to nearly three times the previous rate—as part of a broader strategy to strengthen its profitability. The move comes as the company seeks to diversify its revenue streams beyond virtual gift purchases (“star balloons”) and improve performance amid growing competition from NAVER’s CHZZK, which recently overtook SOOP in the Korean streaming market.
According to industry sources in the IT sector, SOOP will roll out its revamped subscription plans starting May 27. The former “Tier 1” and “Tier 2” subscription options will be rebranded as “Subscription Basic” and “Subscription Plus,” respectively, with a wider range of pricing levels introduced. The new Subscription Plus plan includes five pricing levels (Levels 1 to 5). The highest level, Level 5, will be priced at KRW 42,500 (in-app purchase basis), approximately three times higher than the current top-tier plan of KRW 14,500.
Streamers will be able to select the pricing level for their Subscription Plus offering. Viewers wishing to subscribe to a Level 5 stream will need to pay the full KRW 42,500, enabling streamers to maximize their earnings and encouraging the creation of high-quality content.
This marks SOOP’s second major adjustment to its subscription pricing within six months, following a revamp introduced in October last year.
Meanwhile, CHZZK is also refining its business model to maintain its competitive edge. The company is reportedly exploring ways to partially monetize its “Watch Together” feature, which allows users to enjoy content simultaneously with other viewers.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
