SEOUL/HONG KONG, July 12: Turner Broadcasting System (TBS) is working with the South Korean media company JoongAng Ilbo (JAI) to launch Cartoon Network Korea later this year featuring a mix of Korean and international animation.

In compliance with Korean broadcast regulations, JAI’s JoongAng Broadcasting Corporation (JBC) will own the majority stake in the 24-hour kids’ network, with TBS holding a 49-percent stake. “To successfully operate in a highly developed market such as Korea, it is imperative to enter into an alliance with a local partner,” noted Ron Lee, the VP of Turner Broadcasting System Korea. “In JoongAng Ilbo, we are partnering with an acknowledged leader in the Korean media business. The partnership is a natural extension of our long-standing relationship with JAI and is further strengthened by JAI’s deep understanding of our brand philosophy. By making this strategic investment to create a unique kids’ entertainment channel in Korea, we are demonstrating our commitment to cater to the specific viewing preferences of the young Korean audience.”

The Korean-language channel will launch this year. “Cartoon Network Korea will combine the unique strengths of both partners, and will build on our unrivalled knowledge and expertise to create a kids’ channel that will raise the bar and set new standards of excellence in the kids’ entertainment genre,” commented Mun-Yeon Kim, the president and CEO of JBC. “Cartoon Network Korea will offer a variety of multi-genre animation titles from its world-renowned library, and will provide more than just Japanese titles or a single style of animation genre.”