The World Baseball Classic (WBC) is currently taking place, with Japan scheduled to compete in the quarterfinals. In Japan, Netflix is exclusively streaming all matches, leading to various discussions on accessibility and viewer preferences. The article explores how Korean and Taiwanese audiences are experiencing the event against the backdrop of Japan's distribution model.

In Korea, the WBC matches are being streamed exclusively on the digital platform TVING, and terrestrial channels KBS, MBC, and SBS are broadcasting the games simultaneously. The broadcast rights for the WBC in Korea were secured through a bidding process by the major entertainment company CJENM, which has established TVING, a leading video-on-demand service in the country, reflecting its growing influence in the media market.

The article further highlights the contrasting viewership guarantees provided during different sports events, noting that while options for the WBC appear more limited, during events like the FIFA World Cup, over 90% viewability is typically ensured for audiences. This raises discussions around the necessity of improved market strategies and distribution agreements in order to meet growing national interest in baseball.