South Korea’s Traditional Sports Broadcasting Systems Disrupted by Technological Advancements

The increased interest in football has many Koreans asking for free overseas soccer broadcast platforms (해외축구무료중계) that will allow all Korean citizens to view international competitions. Football has apparently become the leading sport to follow for many South Koreans. However, the emerging technological advancements had caused disruptions to the nation’s traditional broadcast systems.

televition traditional broadcast antennaAs an example, the latest news in K League 1 2024 broadcasts is the expansion of the English commentary from two to three games of K League United coverage. The expanded English commentaries began in March 30, 2024 up to the end of the season last April 28, 2024.

Unfortunately for South Koreans living in some select SoKor regions and in China, Hong Kong, Germany, Austria and Switzerland, K League TV’s free streaming of the K League 1 football matches are unavailable. Apparently, broadcast operators in the said countries were able to obtain broadcast rights in their respective jurisdictions.

The Role of Internet Portals in Providing Sports News and Coverage to South Koreans

Internet Content portalLaser TV, is a website that local Korean sports enthusiasts use in accessing the latest in real time global sports broadcasts and live streaming of ongoing sports events. Since Laser TV collects sports videos through its YouTube Channel, South Koreans in other countries can use the site to access the free K League soccer broadcasts they missed while staying in the said countries.

Laser TV live coverage for Sports Category A includes relay broadcasts for football. baseball, basketball, hockey, rugby, tennis, volleyball, mixed martial arts. and esports. Sports Category B on the other hand, relays live streaming of ongoing events.

Apparently Laser TV is not real TV but an Internet portal that caters to the growing demand for the latest broadcast coverage and live streaming of various sport competitions. Actually the website’s broadcast services and content is the exact manner by which most Korean sports fans prefer to consume sports information.

South Koreans are well-known for their “pali pali” or hurry hurry culture, which also influences their viewing habits. It’s the phrase often used in Korea in line with the people’s fast-paced attitude in accomplishing daily activities anywhere and everywhere, including eating, communicating and viewing habits. Apparently, the “pali pali” culture made the traditional live broadcasts obsolete for young generations of South Koreans.

Rather than spend their precious two hours glued to live TV broadcasts or streaming programs, watching edited online footage became a better option. Millennial and Gen Z sports enthusiasts prefer watching the entire game as entertainment content provided by Internet portals like Laser TV.

Overview of South Korea’s Transformation as a Country of Sports-Loving People

Korea’s notable transformation as a sports-loving nation began 36 years ago after the country hosted the 1988 Seoul Summer Olympics. Many even call the hosting event as the Republic of Korea’s coming out party. The occasion showcased the nation’s vibrant economy and improved living conditions after several years of focusing on rebuilding and revitalization efforts to rapidly establish itself as a first world country in alliance with counterparts in the  West.