MBC America

MBC America is the American subsidiary of South Korean broadcaster Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation. Founded in 1991, it currently operates linear television channels, including its titular channel, as well as handling distribution of its drama catalog to the Americas.

History

The company was established in 1991.^[1] In 1998, it started inserting commercials locally, then in 1999, began distributing programs to The International Channel, including MBC Newsdesk. A 24-hour satellite feed started broadcasting in 2000.^[2]

Over-the-air digital broadcasts started in 2004. One of the first stations to pick up the network was KBCB in Seattle^[3] On August 1, 2005, the company stopped distributing videos to video stores; instead, adopting a direct sales method from its Los Angeles offices.^[4] In April 2006, the channel was added to DirecTV, with the launch of its KoreanDirect package. This enabled the channel to be broadcast nationwide.^[5] On October 23, 2007, MBC America started distributing its catalog of Spanish-dubbed dramas to Spanish-language stations in the New York and Los Angeles metro areas.^[6]

On August 1, 2008, regular over-the-air broadcasts started under the MBC-D brand. The new network carried the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Korean.^[7] Initially limited to Los Angeles and New York, its reach expanded to San Francisco on March 16, 2009, on KTSF's multiplex.^[8] Broadcasts to U-verse subscribers started on March 22, 2009.^[9]

On November 8, 2011, it signed a contract with Oyang America to bring GS Home Shopping to the United States, airing on the network from November 18.^[10]

In 2015, MBC America had tensions with Arirang TV, whose broadcasting status in the United States lapsed the previous year. IPAA, a broadcasting organization established by Koreans in Los Angeles, denounced MBC America and Arirang for receiving all documents to take part in the broadcasting sector. Employees of both networks traded accusations.^[11]

In 2017, MBC America was facing difficulties due to a scandal involving its previous CEO Yoon Dong-yeol, who, according to employees, caused "ridiculous drama". He accused director Hong Sang-won of sexual harassment and sent the information to the parent facilities in Seoul.^[12]

As of April 2025, terrestrial distribution of MBC DTV is limited to six stations in California.^[13]