About KBS

content area

KBS Introduction

Public network KBS works hard to be
the broadcaster that viewers trust

KOREAN
BROADCASTING
SYSTEM

KBS works hard to be
the focal channel for Korea.

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Korea's #1 Channel and Public Broadcaster KBS.
Founded in 1927 as Kyeongsong Broadcasting Corporation,
and established as a public broadcaster in 1973.
KBS has always been with the nation through its historical moments.
KBS drama series are at the heart of the Korean Wave.
KBS dramas have been leading the K-drama craze, elevating the status of Korean dramas as a global media format.
Through different genres that diverse age groups from all backgrounds can enjoy
KBS dramas have earned their popularity with the nation's viewers
and have demonstrated the strength of KBS programming.
KBS dramas become a part of history.
With faithful research of historical records and facts, KBS has been carrying on the tradition of historical dramas.
KBS was the first to produce fact-based dramas
opening up a new era for period dramas.
The world has already been focusing on KBS' well-made documentaries.
Based on fresh ideas leading the way to the future and vivid on-site coverage, our documentary production
provides the driving force for KBS to become a public broadcaster representing the world.
Music Bank is home to K-pop.
Music Bank is now spreading Hallyu further, influencing audiences not only in Korea but the world over.
KBS entertainment and variety shows have made the Korean people laugh and cry.
Now the format is being exported abroad for the global audience to enjoy.
With fair and unbiased reporting, KBS news has maintained its top spot in terms of influence and credibility from the nation.
As the primary broadcaster for disaster and emergencies, KBS protects the Korean people and nation's assets through swift and accurate reports.
KBS sports brings the nation together for major sporting events, delivering the joy and excitement of the games .
The archives of the KBS Special Live Broadcast "Finding Dispersed Families," documenting the tragedy of Koreans separated and dispersed by war
was recognized for its value and inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register.
KBS delivers the values of public broadcasting through moving contents.
With quality programs acknowledged on the international stage,
KBS is proving its contents production capabilities to the world.
KBS is a leader in UHDTV broadcasting and has been strengthening smart platforms.
As a multi-platform contents provider, KBS will go beyond TV to create contents that can rock the world.
In a rapidly changing world,
KBS will continue to communicate with the audience to open up a brighter future together.
KBS always puts the audience first!

KBS remains the most trusted media brand in Korea and audiences in the country tune into consume KBS news in times of emergency.
The primary Public Service Media was established as Gyeongseong Broadcasting Corporation in 1927, and aired the first radio signals. After achieving the independence, KBS was born again as Seoul Central Broadcasting in 1947 and started TV broadcasting service in 1961. Since being transformed into a public service broadcasting service in 1973, KBS has now evolved to serve the nation as the most trusted media and source of news.
KBS operates a wide range of media platforms; four terrestrial TV (HD1TV, HD2TV, UHD1TV, UHD2TV), two satellite TV (KBS World, KBS KOREA), seven radio, four DMB channels and various new media services such as my K.

KBS has its headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, and maintains 18 regional stations in major cities across the country. There are 11 overseas bureaus worldwide including the U.S., Europe, China, and Japan.
KBS is funded by TV license fee and advertisements. KBS has been running its 1TV and 1Radio free of advertisements since October, 1994 with a commitment to better serve audiences with genuine public service values.
With a firm commitment to emergency broadcasting in times of uncertainty, KBS has been maintaining its extensive emergency operation since January, 2020 to fulfill the principal mission to keep the nation well informed with trusted news and information amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Establishment
and Function

As stipulated in Article 43 Section 1 of the Broadcasting Act, KBS is established to promote a healthy broadcasting
culture and to broadcast efficiently at home and abroad.
As a public broadcasting network, KBS carries out the fundamental functions of the press in social environment
surveillance and criticism, public opinion formation, and development of national culture, while striving to provide
universally free services regardless of region or surrounding conditions.
KBS uses internal innovation as a foundation for high quality and superior programming, investing the maximum
capacity into production. Programs that are produced according to these standards play a part in showing the
excellence of Korean culture while also promoting its globalization.

KBS
Promote
national
culture
Establish
a healthy
broadcasting
culture
Globalize
Korean
culture