About KBS

content area

KBS Introduction

The Most Trusted and Influential
Public Media in Korea

KOREAN
BROADCASTING
SYSTEM

KBS embraces change and innovation to engage with audiences worldwide

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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 is dedicated to earning and maintaining the trust of all viewers while serving as a cornerstone of Korean media.

KBS began its journey in 1927 as the Gyeongseong Broadcasting Corporation, Korea's first broadcasting service. It was re-established as Seoul Central Broadcasting in 1947 after the liberation of the country. KBS launched television broadcasting in 1961 and established a public broadcasting system in 1973, laying the foundation for the modern KBS.

Today, KBS operates a wide range of services, including four terrestrial TV channels (HD 1·2TV, UHD 1·2TV), two satellite channels (KBS World TV, KBS KOREA), seven radio channels, four terrestrial DMB channels, and new media services such as KBS+.

KBS is headquartered in Seoul, with broadcasting stations in nine major cities across Korea and overseas bureaus in eight regions, including the United States, Europe, China, and Japan, staffed by dedicated reporters and producers.

Funded primarily by TV license fees, KBS has not aired commercials on its main TV and radio channels since October 1994, reflecting its commitment to enhancing public service.

KBS also serves as a cultural hub, operating the 1,600-seat KBS Hall and managing prestigious ensembles such as the KBS Symphony Orchestra and the KBS Korean Traditional Music Orchestra.

KBS is committed to improving signal reception in remote and mountainous areas and conducts ongoing research and projects to lead the next generation of broadcasting services, providing these services free of charge.

Public Missions
and
Responsibilities

As a national public service media organization, KBS was established to promote a fair and vibrant broadcasting culture and to provide efficient domestic and international broadcasting, as stated in Article 43, Section 1 of the Broadcasting Act.

KBS is responsible for monitoring and analyzing social problems, leading public opinion, and promoting national culture. It is committed to providing universal access to high-quality content for all viewers, regardless of income or location.

Through continuous innovation and refinement of its internal processes, KBS produces content that meets the highest standards of excellence. These programs are broadcast not only in Korea but also to a global audience, showcasing the richness of Korean culture and contributing to its worldwide recognition.

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