Tongyang Broadcasting Company: The Rise and Fall of a Korean Media Giant
The Tongyang Broadcasting Company (TBC) stands as one of the most influential chapters in the history of South Korean media. Founded by Lee Byung-chul, the founder of the Samsung Group, TBC was a commercial powerhouse that redefined entertainment and news in Korea during the 1960s and 70s. From its early struggles with technology to its dominance in television ratings, TBC was more than just a broadcaster; it was a catalyst for the nation's electronics and animation industries.
Key Facts
- Founded: June 26, 1964 (Radio launched May 9; TV launched December 7).
- Ownership: Owned by Samsung Group founder Lee Byung-chul.
- Peak Influence: Often outperformed the state-run KBS in television ratings.
- Industry Impact: Pioneered pre-recorded dramas and established Korea's animation subcontracting industry.
- Dissolution: Forced merger with KBS on November 30, 1980.
- Legacy: Replaced by KBS2 in 1980; spiritual successor JTBC launched in 2011.
Early Developments and Technical Innovation
The journey of TBC began in September 1962, when preparations for Korea's first commercial TV broadcast were announced. The company, then known as Tongyang TV Broadcasting Co., Ltd., aimed to use purely Korean technology. In its early days, the station faced significant hardware shortages, leading the company to produce its first TV cameras by combining movie cameras with used devices.
To further their technical capabilities, Chairman Lee Jae-hyeong and Director Lee Byung-chul sought assistance from the president of Nippon Television in July 1964. This spirit of innovation allowed the station to secure channel 7 and begin its ascent in the Korean media landscape.
Operational Growth and Market Dominance
TBC officially launched its radio services on May 9, 1964, followed by television on December 7, 1964. Originally operating as JoongAng (Central) Broadcasting Co., Ltd., it rebranded as Tongyang Broadcasting on January 15, 1966. By August 15, 1967, the network expanded further with the launch of Tongyang Standard FM.
TBC quickly became a household name through popular variety shows like Show Show Show and a wide array of soap operas. Its success was bolstered by its connection to Samsung; one of the network's strategic goals was to drive the sales of television sets, which were scarce at the time. TBC also innovated by producing pre-recorded dramas, a feat the state-run KBS had not yet achieved.
Pioneering the Animation Industry
Beyond traditional broadcasting, TBC established an animation division. This division initially provided subcontracting services for Japanese companies, contributing to the production of The Golden Bat and Ghost Man. By 1973, TBC began accepting American orders, starting with Universal Arts, which effectively laid the groundwork for the entire animation subcontracting industry in South Korea.
Regional Expansion and Infrastructure
TBC expanded its reach with a Busan branch on channel 9. Due to a lack of microwave technology for simultaneous transmission from Seoul, the Busan branch focused on local programming for Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongsangnam-do. Popular Seoul programs were transported via air or railroad, resulting in a one-week broadcast delay that inadvertently strengthened the independence of local broadcasting.
The Forced Merger and Media Consolidation
The era of TBC came to an abrupt and emotional end in November 1980. Following the 12·12 coup and the rise of military forces, Heo Mun-do implemented media consolidation measures. At midnight on December 1, 1980, TBC was forced to merge with the Korean Broadcasting System (KBS).
The dissolution was a traumatic event for the staff and the public. The final television broadcast, Farewell From the TBC Family, ended at 11:30 PM on November 30. Radio broadcasts concluded at midnight with programs To You Who Forgot the Night (AM) and Melody of the Night Sky (FM). Reports from the time describe the studio as a "sea of tears," with many performers and staff weeping openly during the sign-off.
Following the merger, TBC's assets—estimated between 34 billion and 70 billion won—were absorbed. TBC TV became KBS2, while its radio frequencies became KBS Radio 3 (AM) and KBS 2FM (FM).
The Path to Restoration and JTBC
For decades, former officials and entertainers sought the restoration of the network. In 1988, the Tongyang Broadcasting Revitalization Promotion Committee was formed, and in 1990, JoongAng Ilbo sought KRW 860 billion in damages for the forced transfer, though these claims were rejected.
The legacy of TBC was finally revitalized on December 1, 2011, with the launch of JTBC. Launched on the 31st anniversary of TBC's shutdown, JTBC is regarded as the successor to the original Tongyang Broadcasting Company.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Call Signs | HLKC-TV (Channel 7), HLKC-AM (639 kHz) |
| Key Owner | Samsung Group (Lee Byung-chul) |
| Major Shows | Show Show Show, TBC News Plaza, TBC Song Festival |
| Successor Entities | KBS2 (1980), JTBC (2011) |
| Operational Span | 1964 – 1980 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owned the Tongyang Broadcasting Company?
TBC was owned by Lee Byung-chul, the founder of the Samsung Group, and was a sister company to the JoongAng Ilbo newspaper.
Why was TBC shut down in 1980?
TBC was forced to merge with KBS as part of media consolidation measures carried out by the military government following the 12·12 coup.
What happened to TBC's frequencies after the merger?
TBC's television channel 7 became KBS2, its AM frequency became KBS Radio 3, and its FM frequency became KBS 2FM.
How did TBC influence the Korean animation industry?
TBC's animation division pioneered subcontracting for Japanese and American companies (such as Universal Arts), creating a foundation for Korea's animation industry.
Is JTBC related to the original TBC?
Yes, JoongAng Ilbo considers JTBC the successor to TBC, and the channel was launched on December 1, 2011, to commemorate the 31st anniversary of TBC's closure.