LG Uplus to Supply Channels via Its Own System
Samsung TV Plus Users Gain Access
12 Real-Time Channels to Be Rolled Out Sequentially This Year
LG Uplus supplies 12 FAST channels to Samsung Electronics' smart TV platform, 'Samsung TV Plus,' using its own streaming system. The photo shows LG Uplus employees introducing the FAST channels. Photo by LG Uplus
For the first time, Samsung Electronics and LG Uplus have joined forces to globally distribute K-content. Domestic smart TV users of Samsung Electronics will now be able to watch 12 real-time channels broadcast by LG Uplus. This is made possible through a FAST (Free Ad-supported Streaming TV) platform, which allows viewers to watch broadcasts for free by viewing advertisements.
Unlike online video services (OTT) such as Netflix, FAST does not require a subscription fee, making it an effective means of expanding K-content in the global market.
On September 15, LG Uplus announced that it will sequentially supply 12 FAST channels to Samsung Electronics' smart TV platform, 'Samsung TV Plus,' within this year using its own streaming system. This marks the first time LG Uplus is delivering FAST channels to Samsung TV Plus.
A company representative stated, "We partnered with Samsung TV Plus as part of our efforts to expand our channel business," adding, "We operate a total of 36 channels, and among them, 12 channels will begin broadcasting this month in phases." The available channels include JTBC, JTBC2, JTBC4, MBN, Korea Economic TV, Yonhap News Economy TV, Maeil Business TV, MTN Money Today Broadcasting, Carrie TV, The Life 2, K-Baduk, and Arirang TV.
FAST is still relatively unfamiliar in Korea. However, statistics show that in the United States, 60% of households have experienced at least one FAST service. According to Statista, the global FAST market is projected to grow at an average annual rate of 9.3%, reaching $11.8 billion (approximately 16 trillion won) by 2027. Currently, over 85% of total market revenue is generated in the United States, but rapid growth is also observed in Canada, South America, and Europe. As a stable revenue model based on advertising rather than subscriptions, the government is also positioning FAST channels as a gateway for exporting K-content.
LG Uplus' partnership with Samsung Electronics is seen as a result of both companies' interests aligning: sluggish TV sales and the need to expand K-content touchpoints. As Chinese TVs aggressively compete on price, domestic manufacturers have faced a downturn. With smart TVs enhancing content competitiveness, K-content has gained more attention. Unlike paid broadcasting services such as IPTV, cable TV, or OTT, FAST allows viewers to watch desired content by viewing ads, as long as they have a smart TV and an internet connection.
An industry insider explained, "As cord-cutting becomes mainstream in the TV market, more IPTV operators are entering the FAST channel space on smart TVs." Cord-cutting refers to the phenomenon where pay TV subscribers cancel their subscriptions and move to new platforms.
By opening the door to directly broadcasting FAST channels on both LG Channels, the LG Electronics smart TV platform, and Samsung TV Plus, LG Uplus can now reach a wider audience. Samsung TV Plus currently offers about 3,500 channels and 66,000 VOD titles for free in 30 countries worldwide. LG Uplus operates FAST channels directly through its own streaming system, establishing a stable distribution system for supplying content.
Kim Taehun, Executive Director of Advertising Business at LG Uplus, stated, "We are pleased to supply LG Uplus content to Samsung smart TVs," and added, "We will strive to deliver the best viewing experience in the evolving media consumption environment."
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