Korea New Network
A South Korean regional commercial broadcaster serving Busan and South Gyeongsang Province through television and radio.
Last updated August 25, 2026
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Overview
Korea New Network, commonly known as KNN, is a regional free-to-air commercial broadcaster headquartered in Centum City, Busan, South Korea. Its service area covers Busan and South Gyeongsang Province, making it one of the principal broadcasting organizations outside the Seoul metropolitan area. KNN operates a terrestrial television service affiliated with SBS, as well as two FM radio services: KNN Power FM and KNN Love FM. Through these outlets it provides local news, current affairs, entertainment, sports, cultural programming, and regional advertising, while also carrying selected national programming supplied through its SBS relationships. The company was established in April 1994 as Pusan Broadcasting Corporation, or PSB. Its creation followed the South Korean government's licensing of private regional television operators during the 1990s, with the intention that these stations would extend SBS programming and commercial broadcasting beyond Seoul. PSB began demonstration transmissions soon after its establishment, carried out test transmissions from September 1994, and officially launched television broadcasting on May 14, 1995. The station initially operated on UHF channel 19, and its original facilities were completed in 1996. PSB expanded its regional footprint during its first decade. A branch office in Changwon, the capital of South Gyeongsang Province, opened in December 1999. The broadcaster also developed production capabilities beyond its immediate transmission area. In 1997 it became the first broadcaster outside Seoul to establish offices in the national capital, using purpose-built Seoul studios to produce the entertainment program Entertainment Park and transmitting the resulting material to Busan through electronic news-gathering systems. The station also pursued international program distribution and cooperation, including a 1999 arrangement under which China Radio International carried Song Seop's Together 999 for a one-year period. Ownership changed during the late 1990s and early 2000s. The principal shareholder moved from Hanchang to Nexen in January 2000, and Nexen Tire later acquired 22 percent of PSB in December 2001. Nexen became the broadcaster's largest shareholder, while Heung-A Tire held a smaller stake. In June 2013, Nexen Tire increased its holding from 34.24 percent to 37.91 percent. The broadcaster adopted the KNN name in May 2006, reflecting its broader regional identity rather than its earlier Pusan Broadcasting designation. KNN's radio portfolio developed in stages. KNN Power FM launched in Busan in September 1997 and later expanded to Changwon, Jinju, and additional areas of the region between 2010 and 2016. KNN Love FM began in Busan in May 2016 and subsequently extended coverage to parts of the Busan and South Gyeongsang service area through launches in 2017 and 2018. The company is also closely associated with regional sports coverage, including radio broadcasts of games involving the Lotte Giants and NC Dinos professional baseball teams. KNN has served as an official sponsor and broadcaster for the Busan International Film Festival and the Busan International Comedy Festival, reinforcing its role as a regional cultural institution. As of 2011, locally produced programming represented approximately 35 percent of its total output, according to the referenced Wikipedia material.
History
Korea New Network originated in the expansion of South Korea's private regional broadcasting system during the 1990s. In 1994, the government of President Kim Young-sam licensed three private television operators intended to distribute SBS programming and commercial broadcasting to cities outside Seoul. One of the licensees was Pusan Broadcasting Corporation, known as PSB. The company was established in April 1994, began demonstration transmissions that month, conducted test transmissions from September 7, 1994, and formally launched its television service on May 14, 1995. Its initial service used UHF channel 19, and the station operated before construction of its main building was completed in 1996. PSB developed both local production and regional infrastructure. In 1997 it became the first broadcaster based outside Seoul to establish offices in the capital. From purpose-built Seoul studios it produced Entertainment Park and delivered the program to Busan using electronic news-gathering systems. This move gave PSB access to production resources and audiences beyond its home city while maintaining a regional broadcasting identity. In October 1999, the station's Song Seop's Together 999 was carried by China Radio International under the title Beijing Arirang for a one-year period, illustrating PSB's early interest in international program exchange and distribution. The company's geographical expansion continued in December 1999, when it opened a branch office in Changwon. During the same period, the principal shareholder changed from Hanchang to Nexen. Nexen Tire subsequently became a major strategic shareholder, acquiring 2.112 billion shares, or 22 percent of PSB, on December 11, 2001. Heung-A Tire was identified as the second-largest shareholder with an 8 percent interest. In May 2006, PSB changed its name to Korea New Network. The KNN identity positioned the station as a broadcaster for a wider Busan–South Gyeongsang region rather than an organization identified only with Pusan, the former romanization of Busan. KNN's television service remains affiliated with SBS and combines network programming with locally produced content. The referenced material states that KNN's own programs accounted for approximately 35 percent of its output in 2011. The company also built a substantial radio presence. KNN Power FM launched in Busan in 1997 and expanded to Changwon in 2010, Jinju in 2011, additional southeastern locations in 2013, and Geochang and Hamyang in 2016. KNN Love FM began broadcasting in Busan in 2016, followed by launches covering Gijang, Jeonggwan, Yangsan, Changwon, and Jinju between 2017 and 2018. Nexen Tire further increased its KNN stake in June 2013, from 34.24 percent to 37.91 percent. KNN has also maintained institutional and cultural links with other broadcasters. It signed a cooperation agreement with Television Nishinippon Corporation in December 1999 and participated in a 2004 three-way meeting involving Television Nishinippon Corporation and Dalian Television. In the cultural sphere, KNN has been identified as an official sponsor and broadcaster of the Busan International Film Festival and the Busan International Comedy Festival. Its radio operations provide extensive regional sports coverage, including broadcasts of games involving the Lotte Giants and NC Dinos. These activities place KNN at the intersection of local journalism, entertainment, sports, advertising, and cultural promotion in southeastern South Korea.
- 2018
Love FM regional rollout completed
[1]KNN Love FM extended its coverage to Jinju in March 2018 after earlier launches in other parts of the service area.
- 2016
KNN Love FM launches
[1]KNN began its second FM radio service in Busan on May 10, 2016.
- 2013
Nexen Tire raises its holding
[1]Nexen Tire's interest in KNN increased to 37.91 percent.
- 2006
Rebranding as KNN
[1]Pusan Broadcasting Corporation adopted the Korea New Network name.
- 2001
Nexen Tire becomes a major shareholder
[1]Nexen Tire acquired 22 percent of PSB's shares.
- 1999
Changwon branch and international cooperation
[1]The company opened a Changwon branch, signed a cooperation agreement with Television Nishinippon Corporation, and arranged overseas carriage of one of its programs.
- 1997
Seoul production office and Power FM launch
[1]PSB established production offices in Seoul and launched its Busan FM radio service, later known as KNN Power FM.
- 1995
Official television launch
[1]PSB commenced official television broadcasts on May 14, 1995.
- 1994
Company established as Pusan Broadcasting Corporation
[1]PSB was established in April 1994 following the licensing of private regional television operators in South Korea.
Products and positioning
A major regional media institution for Busan and South Gyeongsang Province, combining locally produced television and radio with SBS-affiliated national programming.
Terrestrial television · 1995
KNN Television
KNN's regional free-to-air television service is affiliated with SBS and serves Busan and South Gyeongsang Province. It combines SBS-supplied programming with local news, entertainment, current affairs, sports, and cultural content. The service launched in 1995 and is identified in the referenced material with digital channel LCN 6-1 and call sign HLDG-DTV.
FM radio · 1997
KNN Power FM
KNN Power FM is the company's first FM radio network. It launched in Busan in 1997 and progressively expanded across Changwon, Jinju, Gijang, Yangsan, Jeonggwan, Geochang, and Hamyang. The service is affiliated with SBS Power FM and carries music, speech, local information, and regional sports programming, including coverage associated with local professional baseball teams.
FM radio · 2016
KNN Love FM
KNN Love FM is the company's second FM radio service and is affiliated with SBS Love FM. It began in Busan in 2016 and expanded to Gijang, Jeonggwan, Yangsan, Changwon, and Jinju between 2017 and 2018. Its regional schedule complements KNN's television and Power FM operations.
Marketing campaigns
- Busan International Film Festival partnership
Busan · South Korea
KNN has served as an official sponsor and broadcaster of the Busan International Film Festival, using its television and radio platforms to support and promote a major regional cultural event.
Outcome. The partnership strengthened KNN's role as a regional cultural media institution.
- Busan International Comedy Festival partnership
Busan · South Korea
KNN has been identified as an official sponsor and broadcaster of the Busan International Comedy Festival.
Outcome. The relationship extended KNN's entertainment and event-broadcasting presence in its home market.
Brand decisions
2016
Launch of KNN Love FMProduct launchBackground
KNN already operated the Power FM service and sought to broaden its radio offering in the Busan and South Gyeongsang region.
Action taken
KNN launched Love FM in Busan and subsequently extended the service to additional regional transmitters.
Aftermath
KNN developed a two-network FM portfolio with affiliations to SBS Love FM and SBS Power FM.
2013
Increase in Nexen Tire's KNN holdingM&ABackground
Nexen Tire was already KNN's largest shareholder.
Action taken
Nexen Tire increased its KNN shareholding from 34.24 percent to 37.91 percent.
Aftermath
Nexen Tire's position as the broadcaster's largest shareholder was strengthened.
2006
Adoption of the KNN identityStrategyBackground
The broadcaster had expanded beyond its original Pusan identity through regional offices, radio development, and broader Busan–South Gyeongsang coverage.
Action taken
Pusan Broadcasting Corporation changed its name to Korea New Network, abbreviated KNN.
Aftermath
The new identity emphasized regional reach while preserving the broadcaster's SBS affiliation.
2001
Nexen Tire investment in PSBM&ABackground
PSB's ownership structure changed during its regional expansion, with Nexen already identified as a major shareholder.
Action taken
Nexen Tire acquired 2.112 billion shares, equal to 22 percent of PSB, for a reported 31.68 billion won.
Aftermath
Nexen Tire became the broadcaster's largest shareholder and later increased its stake further.
Nexen Tire acquisition of PSB shares. 22% shareholding; reported purchase price 31.68 billion won (December 11, 2001)
Sources1 sources
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