KBS has successfully defended itself during several crisis since early 2002 to the most recent, ‘Music Bank’ mistake regarding the winner.’ How has KBS emerged as Korea’s choice broadcaster over and over again?
Ko: We are proud to have the largest number of passionate and talented TV content creators at KBS. A considerable number of producers and local broadcasters who have gaining great popularity were initially from KBS. So much so that we served as a content hub for the country’s TV industry. Recently, we swept the board with six of our programmes listed in the ten most-watched Korean programmes in September this year. KBS has concurred local audience across many genres.
Which genre best speaks of KBS’s strength and why?
Ko: As the most trusted terrestrial channel, KBS TV1 continues to achieve the nation’s highest viewer rating by delivering a strong range of high-quality programmes including news, documentaries, cultural and lifestyle content and dramas. As a family entertainment channel, KBS TV2 offers a variety of entertainment, drama and cultural programming. KBS TV2 is responsible for the world renowned Music Bank and hit drama series such as Descendants of the Sun and Love in the Moonlight. We are recognised for the production outstanding content across all TV genres.
What are some of the new shows you are excited about?
Ko: We are looking forward to a number of new shows soon to be launched in October this year. Singing Battle is a new vocal competition show where popular celebrities perform in the contest. Trick & True will present a creative mix of science and entertainment. And Mr. Househusband is a variety show that examines the married lives of male TV stars.
When you were appointed the President of KBS, what were the strengths of KBS that you wanted to build on? And in what areas did you feel changes needed to be made?
Ko: In May this year, we undertook the biggest-ever structural reform since the foundation. The change aims to further consolidate competitive edge of our content amid the fast-changing media environment. In order to manage our productions and resources more effectively, we separated the function of commissioning from genuine production process. As part of the restructure, we will focus on the development of new business and revenue streams. We believe the recent changes will help KBS achieve a more effective and efficient decisionmaking process. We will continue the improvement process and initiative particularly in three areas: human resources management, performance management and cost system. Korean content is globally renowned today.
How much of KBS content travel the world and what percentage of revenue does that contribute to the organisation?
Ko: In 2015, we exported our content to 46 countries (a running total of 80 countries). This contributes about 2% of our total revenue which is not a significant amount. We are basically operated on license fee income with added revenue from advertising. Our content has been exceptionally popular in places like Japan, China and the South East Asian countries as part of the Korean wave. More recently, we are expanding our export market to Europe, the Middle East and the U.S. We are especially, strengthening our presence in Turkey, Russia and other CIS countries as we have successfully exported hit series formats such as Autumn in My Heart and Full House. We will also develop an OTT platform and a pertinent business models as this global market is growing.
What are your plans to lead KBS further?
Ko: In Korea, we have been named the most trusted and influential media organisation for quite a number of years. We are enjoying absolute affection and support from the public. Our future goal is to serve our audiences with more creative and unique content and lead the Korean wave. We will maintain our responsibilities as a public broadcaster and strengthen our mobile platforms and be ready to launch UHD broadcast service. We will be committed to manage reforms amid financial difficulties faced by terrestrial broadcasters. KBS is an eminent public broadcaster in Korea and we will strive to make distinctive content by fulfilling these goals
