KBS and MBC networks talk of going global

On Jan. 2, KBS presented its business plans and revealed that the network will work hard to become a top exporter of Korean music worldwide.

The first plan announced by a representative at the “One Korea, Global KBS” conference said that the music-chart show “Music Bank” will go on a world tour. The program will visit nations such as France in February, Hong Kong in May and the United States in September this year in order to promote K-pop.
The show is currently broadcast in 72 nations through the KBS World channel and is a prominent figure in promoting K-pop.

The second plan the network had for enhancing the influence of Korean music involved the establishment of a Chinese channel with a focus on Hallyu content.
The network said that in July, a Chinese channel will air and will be made possible for viewing by audiences in Hong Kong, Malaysia and other Chinese-speaking nations.

On the same day, the MBC network also announced that it will open up an exclusive music channel on Feb. 1.
The channel called “MBC Music” will operate under the slogan “I Music U” which carries the meaning that “you and I can relate through music.” The network has plans to export the channel to foreign nations. The network has plans to air the channel in the United States through the American satellite TV channel Direct TV.

By Carla Sunwoo [carlasunwoo@joongang.co.kr]