Crunchyroll moves into Korean drama

US-based Japanese animé subscription VoD and OTT service Crunchyroll has launched a new streaming service dedicated to showing Korean dramas the same day they air locally.

KDrama.com, currently available to all Crunchyroll subscribers in beta mode, offers users simulcasts of primetime Korean drama shows from Korean channels KBS, MBC, SBS and CJ E&M with English subtitles.

The new service also includes thousands of hours of catalogue titles available to watch on-demand.

“Our KDrama offering provides fans with the best Korean dramas in a clean and simple user experience,” said founder and CEO, Kun Gao.

The launch is the first step in Crunchyroll’s expansion strategy after The Chernin Group (TCG) took a majority stake in the company late last year.

Crunchyroll said it plans to accelerate its investment in the anime business, as well as expand its offerings in other genres.