SEOUL — In a major move to streamline the nation’s fragmented media landscape, the South Korean government is pushing for the establishment of a massive new public entity tentatively named the Korea Broadcasting, Media & Communications Agency (KBMCA).
According to an internal "Plan for the Establishment of the Korea Broadcasting, Media & Communications Agency" obtained by Electronic Times on March 12, the initiative aims to consolidate broadcasting and digital media promotion functions into a single "control tower." The proposed agency is expected to house approximately 900 personnel, creating a powerhouse designed to lead the industry’s transition toward Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital sovereignty.
The Blueprint: Consolidation for Efficiency
The Broadcasting, Media, and Communications Commission (BMCC) recently briefed Rep. Choi Min-hee, chair of the Science, ICT, Broadcasting, and Communications Committee, on the proposal.
The move addresses long-standing criticisms from industry experts. Despite the earlier launch of the BMCC to unify broadcasting policy, actual project execution remained scattered across various agencies under the Ministry of Science and ICT. This disconnect has been cited as a primary factor slowing the momentum of national digital agendas.
The proposed KBMCA will reportedly feature a robust organizational structure consisting of 8 divisions and 6 centers. Key units include:
AX (AI Experience) Lead Group: To spearhead AI-driven industrial transformation.
Media Content Center: To bolster OTT and global content competitiveness.
Market Data Center & Advertising Promotion Division: To modernize the media ad market.
User Protection & Audience Support Divisions: To ensure public interest and digital rights.
Restructuring Existing Entities
The roadmap involves a sweeping reorganization of current public organizations. The plan suggests the complete merger of the Community Media Foundation (275 employees) and the Korea Broadcast Advertising Corp (KOBACO) (284 employees), including its subsidiary, Kobaco Partners (141 employees).
Additionally, about 206 specialists will be transferred from 10 relevant organizations currently under the Ministry of Science and ICT. This includes:
The User Rights Division of the Korea Association for ICT Promotion (KAIT).
The Broadcasting & Media Division of the Korea Communications Agency (KCA).
Relevant units from the Korea Radio Promotion Association (RAPA) and the Korea Information Society Development Institute (KISDI).
Strategic Goals and Future Outlook
The government anticipates that the new agency will serve as a unified engine to support the domestic OTT industry, foster fair competition in the media ecosystem, and protect online users. Most importantly, it is positioned to be the technical and administrative backbone for the "Digital and Media Industry Competitiveness Enhancement" national project, with a heavy focus on AI-based industrial shifts.
To realize this vision, the government plans to propose an amendment to the Framework Act on Broadcasting Communications Development. If the bill passes the National Assembly, the unified agency is targeted for an official launch in January 2027.
However, the BMCC remains cautious in its official stance. A commission official noted, "While we are reviewing various measures as part of public institution reform, the establishment of the promotion agency has not yet been finalized."
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