Concerns are growing over the lack of rating classifications for Chinese short drama platforms operating in South Korea, as they are not subject to the same self-regulatory standards as major online video services (OTT) in the country.
On August 26, the Chinese short drama platform DramaBox featured the revenge drama 'The Son-in-Law Returns' among its top offerings. Meanwhile, the platform Lilshot has gained popularity with titles like 'The Temptation of the Dangerous Mafia Twins,' which focus on themes of infidelity, revenge, and violence. While some platforms label their content as suitable for viewers aged 15 and older, others do not provide any rating at all.
According to the current law on the promotion of films and video materials, online videos are required to receive classification from the Video Rating Board (VRB) before distribution. Designated self-rating businesses like Netflix, Disney+, Tving, Wavve, and Coupang Play can assign their own ratings but must report the results to the VRB for post-management.
In contrast, platforms like DramaBox, Lilshot, and ShortMax are not classified as self-rating businesses. They are excluded from the registration requirements for cross-border telecommunications providers, which means they do not meet the criteria to be designated as self-rating businesses. A VRB official stated, 'Currently, Chinese short drama platforms are not self-rating businesses. However, if production or distribution companies supply content that has been pre-rated by the VRB, they can display that rating on their platform.'
The issue arises from the rapid distribution of provocative content on Chinese short drama platforms, raising questions about whether the current rating classification system can effectively manage it. The VRB official noted, 'When unclassified content is distributed domestically, we take action based on the severity of the legal violation, which can include blocking or reporting. Last year, we took blocking measures against 30 platforms.'
Concerns about the provocative themes in short dramas are also being raised in China. According to Xinhua News Agency, the National Radio and Television Administration of China has been conducting a special crackdown on harmful and inappropriate content in short dramas since June. The crackdown targets eight categories, including harmful content for children, soft pornography, materialism, distorted views on marriage, feudalistic practices, revenge, vulgar titles, and copyright infringement. Platforms and production companies are required to conduct thorough inspections of their content and make immediate corrections or deletions if issues are found.
Experts argue that as Chinese short drama platforms expand their influence in South Korea, there is a pressing need to clarify the content rating classification and post-management systems. Lee Jong-kwan, a senior expert at the law firm Sejong, stated, 'If content is not rated and moves to telecommunications review, it creates a structure where responses occur only after issues are raised, leading to relatively lax regulation. This could result in regulatory gaps for excessive or unhealthy expressions.'
* This article has been translated by AI.
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