SK Telecom and Disney Channel International have formed a joint venture to offer Korean-language Disney channels in South Korea.
The JV, to be 51%-owned by SK Telecom, is the first by the Disney group for Disney TV content, SK Telecom said.
The JV will broadcast Korean-language versions of Disney Channel and Playhouse Disney Channel and is expected to launch in the spring of 2011, pending approval from the Korea Communications Commission.
The channels will be anchored by Disney characters and also air a “significant proportion” of locally-produced programming.
In return for its 49% stake in the JV, Disney will provide “its globally reputed portfolio of kids and family’s targeted content, marketing expertise and local-content production and acquisition support.”
SK Telecom CEO Man-won Jung said: “In the future, by forging a close strategic alliance with Disney, we hope to create more opportunities between the two parties.”
The two channels will be available in HD multiplex as well as SD format over cable, direct-to-home, IPTV and other on-demand digital services.