South Korean broadcasters to cover World Cup; new law mandates terrestrial coverage for major events

The recent agreement for JTBC and KBS to broadcast the upcoming World Cup marks a significant shift in how major international sporting events are covered in South Korea. While JTBC secured the rights to cover the national team's games, KBS will also be sending its own commentators, ensuring a competitive broadcast landscape for this highly anticipated tournament.

However, the real story here is the legislative action being taken to guarantee public access to future major events. The amendment to the Broadcasting Act, set to take effect from the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics, mandates that at least one terrestrial broadcaster must carry these events. This move comes as a direct response to public outcry following JTBC's exclusive coverage of the Cortina d'Ampezzo Winter Olympics, which drew criticism for its perceived shortcomings and raised concerns about universal viewership rights.

This legislative intervention is crucial for maintaining the spirit of universal access to sports that resonate deeply with the Korean public. The days of a single broadcaster monopolizing such events, potentially at the expense of comprehensive coverage and viewer experience, are numbered. The establishment of a 'Korea Consortium' involving terrestrial broadcasters and general programming channels is a positive step towards collaborative coverage, ensuring that major international competitions remain accessible and engaging for all Koreans. This ensures that events like the World Cup and the Olympics continue to be national celebrations, not just exclusive broadcasts.