KBS America said Friday that it has acquired the exclusive Korean-language broadcast rights in the United States and Canada for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
The agreement, with Infront Sports & Media, gives the network national transmission of all World Cup events via terrestrial, cable and satellite media platforms, including the final draw, airing this month; the 16-episode preview series; opening and closing ceremonies; and all 64 matches.
“World Cup Soccer is the most-watched sporting event among Koreans, both in Korea and the United States,” KBS America marketing director Jeannie Jo said in a prepared statement. “This agreement is historic because it is the first time the 1.5 million Korean Americans in the United States will have the opportunity to view the World Cup in their preferred language.”
