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Korea hails the first digital streaming of the Beatles

February 22, 2016
Universal Music Korea, the Korean operation of California-based giant label Universal Music Group, said it authorized 10 South Korean music streaming services to provide online and mobile digital audio streaming and downloading services from Feb. 29.

Universal Music Korea, the Korean operation of California-based giant label Universal Music Group, said it authorized 10 South Korean music streaming services to provide online and mobile digital audio streaming and downloading services from Feb. 29.

By Kwon Ji-youn

Starting Feb. 29, local Beatles fans will be able to stream the legendary English rock band’s music digitally.

“The music will go on sale in a legal digital format,” Universal Music Korea, the Korean arm of the worldwide music corporation Universal Music Group, said Monday.

“Seventeen albums, which include 13 studio albums, albums that are comprised of the band’s greatest hits as well as original sound tracks, will be available,” the statement said.

The list includes the Beatles’ debut album “Please Please Me” and their final album “Let It Be.”

Universal Music Korea said online and mobile digital audio streaming and downloading of the band’s tracks will be provided through 10 online and mobile music servicers. These include MelOn, Naver Music, Genie, Bugs Music, Mnet, Soribada and Kakao Music.

The Beatles’ music was not available online legally until their exclusive deal with Apple in late 2010 made the music available from iTunes only.

On Dec. 24 last year, the Beatles’ music became available on a wide range of streaming music services. Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play, Tidal and Amazon Prime Music are among nine services that began offering the band’s tracks worldwide.