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169 channels
South Korean television runs on a tightly choreographed schedule that reflects the country's high-speed digital culture. Primetime hits around 22:00, when the major networks, KBS, MBC, and SBS, roll out their flagship dramas. These are the shows that dominate Monday-Tuesday and Wednesday-Thursday slots, often topping viewer ratings above 20%. K-dramas run for 16 to 20 episodes, shot in real time, which means last-minute rewrites are common. The variety show scene is just as influential: programs like Running Man and Infinite Challenge pioneered a chaotic, game-based format that later spread across Asia. News programming is notably formal. KBS's 9 o'clock news is a ritual, delivered with a steady, authoritative tone; commercial channels like MBC and SBS use a slightly more conversational style but still adhere to strict journalistic norms. One unique aspect is the prevalence of home shopping channels, giant networks like CJ OnStyle and GS Shop broadcast 24/7, hawking fashion, cosmetics, and electronics with theatrical energy. Religious channels, both Protestant and Buddhist, occupy a significant portion of the lineup, while education channels (EBS) provide curriculum-based content and test-prep shows. Dubbing is rare; most foreign content is subtitled, preserving the original audio. Live sports, especially baseball and football, are a big draw, with passionate commentary that can feel like a national event. English-language channels like Arirang and KBS World cater to expats and global audiences, but the vast majority of the 164 channels broadcast in Korean, creating an immersive, all-or-nothing TV experience.