On Monday 9 March, international Korean news, culture and entertainment channel, Arirang TV, announced agreements with the UK’s leading pay TV satellite operator, BSkyB, and the UK’s leading free-to-air satellite operator, Freesat (a JV between BBC and ITV).

It is the first time the channel will be available on local satellite platforms. Although it could be received via over-the-air signals, the size of the UK audience could not be measured for its transmitters were abroad.

With 11 million subscribers to SKY and 1.9 million to Freesat, there is a great opportunity for Korean culture to be presented to a mainstream audience. This will also give Arirang TV a potential global viewership of 130 million people!

It is expected to take four months to complete the standard procedures before the channel can actually become available. About one year after the channel contacted for an interview for Korea Today (Driving Korea’s Hallyu Culture: Fan Clubs), it seems the London Korean Drama Club has had an impact beyond expectations!

Stay alert, as Korean TV dramas occasionally air on the channel, the first time UK TV viewers would be able to access to those on the small screen, rather than online.