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KBS Introduction

The Most Trusted and Influential
Public Media in Korea

KOREAN
BROADCASTING
SYSTEM

KBS embraces change and innovation to engage with audiences worldwide

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