In a significant announcement that has left many long-time subscribers disappointed, Aniplus Korea has declared that some of its core services will be discontinued by December 31, 2024. The services affected include LIVE, VOD streaming, and download functionalities, all of which have been integral to the platformβs offering for anime enthusiasts.
Service Termination Timeline and Details
The termination of these services will come into full effect by the end of the year, with certain preparatory steps already in place. New membership registrations will cease on September 30, 2024, and existing members will no longer be able to renew their subscriptions after December 1, 2024. Despite this impending termination, the LIVE and VOD services will continue as normal until December 31, giving users a few more months to enjoy the platform before the shutdown.
Notices regarding the service termination were sent individually between September 27 and 29, 2024, through email. Aniplus has provided additional details on service use, payment, cancellation, and refunds through the homepage notice. Customers with specific inquiries are encouraged to contact the company via the 1:1 bulletin board.
Why Aniplus is Ending Its VOD Service
The decision to terminate these services, particularly VOD, marks the end of an era for many subscribers who have used Aniplus as a reliable source of Japanese animation and movies. Aniplus cited the evolving media environment and the need to concentrate on business areas where it holds significant strength as key reasons for the discontinuation.
However, the underlying reason is tied to Aniplusβ subsidiary, Laftel. Laftel, which was acquired by Aniplus, has become the platform’s primary focus for streaming services. By consolidating its streaming capabilities under Laftel, Aniplus aims to reduce operational expenditures while boosting profits. This strategic shift is similar to Animax Koreaβs decision to outsource its VOD services to Laftel before being acquired by Aniplus. The move will allow Aniplus to offload the costs associated with running a VOD server, making the company more financially efficient.
Despite these internal justifications, many long-term subscribers are baffled and upset. Aniplus has been consistently recording surpluses and growing sales each year. From a consumer standpoint, the termination of these popular services feels like an unnecessary restructuring, particularly given Aniplusβ continued profitability.
Consumer Reactions and Loyalty Issues
For many users, the decision to end VOD services marks not only a business shift but a personal loss. Aniplus has been operating for nearly 15 years, and numerous users have been loyal subscribers for over a decade. These long-term users, many of whom have paid for memberships for five to ten years, have expressed confusion and disappointment over the sudden shutdown of the platformβs core services.
Some members are willing to transition to Laftel, while others have voiced their dissatisfaction, declaring they will neither continue with Aniplus nor switch to Laftel. The controversy comes at a time when consumers are already disgruntled over past issues from 2020 and 2023, adding fuel to the fire. The public opinion surrounding this decision is far from positive, particularly among those who feel burned by previous incidents and now face the end of a service that has defined much of their anime viewing experience.
The End of DRM-Free Content in Korea
One of the most significant aspects of this announcement is the end of the DRM-Free VOD download service that Aniplus had been offering. Following the termination of its DRM-Free downloads on June 29, 2023, Aniplus was the last platform in Korea that allowed users to download Japanese animations and movies without Digital Rights Management (DRM) restrictions. With the impending shutdown, this feature will disappear entirely by January 1, 2025.
It remains uncertain whether Laftel, which currently operates with DRM download features, will consider offering DRM-Free services in the future. For many anime fans, the availability of DRM-Free content was a significant draw, and its loss leaves a void that will be hard to fill.
The Final Goodbye
As the clock winds down to December 31, 2024, members of Aniplus are left with mixed emotions. For some, the platform represented more than just a streaming service; it was a community and a loyal companion in their anime journey. Unfortunately, this loyalty has been tested three times now, with members left to watch the core services, that once defined Aniplus, slowly fade away.
Though Aniplus promises new and diverse services in the future, the scars left by this decision may take time to heal. With only a few months left, users are left with no choice but to either migrate to Laftel or find alternative platforms to satisfy their anime needs.
Aniplus has indeed made its mark over the past 15 years, but its sudden withdrawal from core services leaves behind regret, anger, and a deep sense of loss among its most loyal members. The anime world in Korea, once supported by Aniplus’ unique offerings, now faces an uncertain future.
