Rakuten Viki is an American-based streaming platform, owned by the Rakuten Group, focusing on Asian dramas and movies. The content features Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Taiwanese, and Thai dramas and movies. It uses a unique crowdsourced subtitle system, which means that fans can translate content themselves through a contributor program on the Rakuten Viki website. A good amount of content is accessible with a free account. However, to avoid ads, and to be able to access all titles, and to download titles to watch without Wi-Fi, one needs a Viki Pass.
At first sight, Rakuten Viki’s extensive selection of films and television shows may seem a bit overwhelming. However, the streaming platform is easy to navigate because it provides an overview of the languages and categories to choose from. I would like to make two recommendations to help you get started.
Tale of the Nine-Taled is a South Korean fantasy drama about Nam Ji Ah, a TV producer who investigates supernatural legends and who believes the myth of the nine-tailed fox is real. Her search leads her to Lee Yeon, a mysterious man who is secretly a nine-tailed fox living among humans. As she uncovers the truth, she becomes caught in a dangerous world of spirits, especially when Lee Yeon’s erratic half-brother Lee Rang appears. The series explores the coexistence of the human and supernatural worlds.
Loving Strangers is a Chinese drama series about two people facing difficult lives who unexpectedly find support in each other. Jiang Jia Qi, a struggling engineer dealing with personal work problems, meets Zhou Yu An, a young woman caught in hardship and corporate intrigue. Despite their complicated circumstances, they form a meaningful connection that helps them cope and heal.
What is attractive about these platforms? The answer is found in the distinctive and diverse appeal of Asian entertainment. While some viewers feel a cultural or personal connection, many others discover it originally through social media and word of mouth, showing its growing appeal.
Storytelling is important for audiences around the world. For instance, K-dramas have become popular for their compelling stories and to-the-point formats, which make them easy to follow and very enchanting: more than half of viewers claim to be captivated by the plotlines.
Global developments also have a significant impact. Asian content is now more widely available thanks to the growth of streaming services like Netflix, while social media increases its visibility and cross-border circulation. Audiences have further expanded as the result of the impact of larger cultural movements like the Korean Wave (Hallyu), which is stimulated by the success of K-pop worldwide.
Rakuten Viki is available on mobile devices, some smart TVs, and on the web.
* This post and site are not sponsored by Rakuten Viki
Sources:
The Growing Appeal of Asian Entertainment – thinknow
The Best Streaming Services for Asian Dramas, K-Pop, and More – Yahoo
Contributor Community – Rakuten Viki
Supported Devices – Rakuten Viki
Tale of the Nine-Tailed – Rakuten Viki