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K-Plus

K-Plus, now operating as KPLUS, is a prominent South Korean model and talent management agency specializing in fashion modeling, actor representation, and entertainment production. Founded in 2008 by former fashion model and CEO Ko Eun-kyung in Seoul, the company was established to advance the fashion culture business through model scouting, training, and event management, drawing on the founder's over two decades of industry experience. In 2014, K-Plus entered a strategic partnership with YG Entertainment, rebranding as YG KPLUS to expand into broader entertainment sectors including actor management, media content creation, brand marketing, and international talent representation. This collaboration positioned it as one of Korea's largest agencies, managing a diverse roster of models, actors, and influencers across fashion shows, dramas, films, and digital platforms. By May 2022, Chorokbaem Media Company acquired a 50% stake, leading to a restructuring that dropped the YG branding and renamed the entity KPLUS in August 2022, while maintaining its focus on talent development and industry collaboration. Today, KPLUS continues to dominate the Korean and landscape, producing high-profile projects, supporting emerging talents through its , and integrating digital commerce and global outreach to shape media trends. With offices in Seoul's , it represents approximately 400 models and actors, emphasizing innovative services like and influencer management to foster cross-sector opportunities in the dynamic K-entertainment industry.

Channel Overview

Description

K-Plus (stylized as K+) is a pay television channel headquartered in Singapore that targets Southeast Asian viewers with Korean-centric entertainment content. Operated by Plus Media Networks Asia Pte. Ltd., it serves as a dedicated network for Hallyu (Korean Wave) enthusiasts across the region. The channel's primary focus encompasses K-pop music, beauty and fashion segments, Korean drama series, variety shows, movies, and lifestyle programs, featuring exclusive and first-run titles sourced directly from major Korean broadcasters. These offerings highlight contemporary Korean pop culture, appealing to fans seeking authentic and timely content. K-Plus broadcasts in HDTV resolution on a 24/7 schedule, ensuring continuous access to its programming. Its target demographic consists primarily of young adults immersed in pop , with shows typically subtitled in English and, in some markets, local languages to enhance accessibility. It operates as the sister channel to Aniplus Asia, which specializes in programming.

Ownership

K-Plus is operated by Plus Media Networks Asia Pte. Ltd., a Singapore-based of the South Korean company Inc. Inc., headquartered in , , is a KOSDAQ-listed media company specializing in the distribution of and content across , and it established Plus Media Networks Asia in 2014 to facilitate the expansion of entertainment into Southeast Asian markets by leveraging its licensing expertise. As the ultimate parent entity, Aniplus Inc. oversees operations, with shared resources for content acquisition supporting K-Plus alongside its sister channel, Aniplus Asia, which focuses on programming.

Programming

Genres and Format

K-Plus specializes in Korean entertainment, with core programming centered on series that encompass subgenres such as romance, , and . Variety shows form another pillar, featuring formats like talk shows, reality competitions, and game-based content that highlight celebrity interactions and challenges. The channel also broadcasts Korean movies, including popular blockbusters from the domestic , alongside programs focused on beauty tutorials and trends. content rounds out the lineup through K-pop performances and chart programs, often integrated into variety segments. The broadcast format emphasizes a mix of first-run imports from major Korean networks, aired on a same-day or weekly basis to provide timely access for Southeast Asian viewers, supplemented by reruns of popular titles. Drama episodes typically run 45-60 minutes, while variety shows and movies extend to 1-2 hours, allowing for immersive viewing sessions aligned with standard production lengths. Programming is structured around daily blocks, with and variety content dominating daytime slots, prime-time hours dedicated to dramas, and evening segments occasionally featuring highlights for younger audiences. This approach underscores the channel's focus on exclusivity, delivering premium Korean content tailored for regional markets in , the , and .

Notable Programs

K-Plus has established itself as a premier destination for Korean dramas in , offering same-day or near-simultaneous premieres of high-profile series that resonate with regional audiences. One standout example is the 2018 body-swap thriller The Beauty Inside, which follows an actress afflicted by a mysterious condition that changes her appearance monthly, leading to a romance with a face-blind executive; the series premiered on the channel shortly after its debut, highlighting K-Plus's commitment to timely access to trending content. Similarly, the 2024 legal drama Your Honor, centering on a principled judge entangled in a cover-up to protect his son after a hit-and-run incident, aired on K-Plus starting August 12, same-day as its Korean broadcast on ENA, drawing viewers with its tense exploration of justice and family loyalty. Another key drama, the 2018 medical intrigue series Life, depicting power struggles and ethical dilemmas within a university hospital, was featured prominently on the channel in 2024, underscoring ongoing demand for its ensemble cast including and . In the variety and lifestyle space, K-Plus showcases programs that blend entertainment with cultural insights, appealing to fans seeking lighter fare. My Military Valentine (2024), a involving a and a North Korean soldier amid inter-Korean tensions, aired on K-Plus following its Korean release, offering celebrity-driven stories of unexpected romance and military life that captivated audiences with its mix of action and humor. The food and culture show Korean Lunch Tray (2023), led by Lee Yeon-bok, follows a team delivering nutritious Korean meals to schools, companies, and sports teams worldwide; it debuted on K-Plus on May 26, promoting K-food heritage through engaging, community-focused episodes. Adding a thriller twist to variety, Hide (2024), a mystery series where a former prosecutor uncovers dark secrets surrounding her missing husband, premiered same-day as Korea on March 23, blending investigative drama with suspenseful gameplay elements that kept viewers hooked on its revelations. The channel also features movie premieres and specials that enhance its Korean entertainment slate. K-Plus regularly broadcasts award-winning Korean films from events like the , providing Southeast Asian audiences with early access to critically acclaimed titles that showcase innovative storytelling in genres from sci-fi to historical epics. Holiday specials tied to K-pop events further amplify the channel's appeal, often incorporating live performances or behind-the-scenes content from major concerts, fostering a festive connection to the Hallyu wave during seasonal celebrations. These programs have significantly boosted K-Plus's viewership by capitalizing on the surging popularity of Korean content in , where dramas alone accounted for 35% of total streaming hours in Q2 2025, driving broader K-wave enthusiasm and cultural exchange across markets like , the , and .

History

Launch

K-Plus was officially launched on 17 September 2014, with serving as its primary initial market. The channel was founded by Plus Media Networks Asia, a Singapore-based subsidiary of the South Korean company , to address the increasing demand for Korean entertainment content across . Initial broadcasts were delivered through partnerships with satellite and cable providers, debuting on Indonesia's pay-TV platform K-Vision at 6:00 p.m. time. The debut programming lineup emphasized dramas and to draw in early subscribers, featuring exclusive and first-run titles sourced through licensing agreements with major Korean broadcasters. Headquarters were set up in to oversee regional operations. This launch built on the established success of , Plus Media Networks Asia's anime-focused channel, by expanding into a wider array of Korean content to capitalize on the Hallyu in the region.

Expansions and Carriage Changes

Following its initial launch in on September 17, 2014, via the pay-TV platform K-Vision, K-Plus expanded its distribution footprint across through strategic carriage deals with various providers. In February 2021, K-Plus launched in the on . It was also carried on starting around April 2019 until the contract expired, with transmission ending on April 30, 2023, at 11:59:59 p.m., effective discontinuation on May 1, 2023. The channel was added to Malaysia's Unifi TV service on October 1, 2021, as part of a content update introducing new entertainment options for subscribers. In May 2022, K-Plus was added to Astro's platform in Malaysia, offering a complimentary preview to all customers from May 20 to May 31, 2022, before becoming available to Korean pack subscribers starting June 1, 2022.

Availability

Indonesia

K-Plus, launched in in September 2014, serves as the channel's foundational market in , where it maintains strong availability through major distribution platforms. The channel is accessible via IndiHome, Indonesia's leading IPTV service, which has carried K-Plus since 2016 and offers and catch-up viewing through its UseeTV platform. Additionally, it is available on Dens.TV, a streaming service that added the channel in 2017, though carriage ended on November 1, 2025. Indonesia represents K-Plus's largest subscriber market, with significant uptake among urban youth driven by the country's robust and high affinity for . IndiHome alone boasts approximately 10.1 million subscribers as of mid-2025, enabling K-Plus to reach millions of households in key cities like and , where fixed penetration supports widespread access. This positions the channel as a key player in 's Hallyu ecosystem, where 86.3% of consumers exposed to Korean culture report favorable views, the highest rate globally. To cater to local audiences, K-Plus provides all programming with subtitles in Bahasa , enhancing accessibility for non-Korean speakers. The channel also engages in promotional tie-ins with domestic K-pop events, such as cover dance festivals organized by the Korean Cultural Center, amplifying its visibility among fans. Viewership metrics highlight strong engagement, particularly for Korean dramas, which drive consistent tune-ins and contribute to 's status as a leading consumer of K-content in as of 2025. With the regional streaming market adding 1.5 million subscribers in Q2 2025 largely due to K-dramas, linear channels like K-Plus benefit from complementary demand in a market where Korean content commands outsized popularity.

Philippines

In the Philippines, K-Plus has experienced a significant reduction in linear television distribution since its initial expansion into the market in 2018. The channel was previously carried on Easy TV Home from May 25, 2018, until the service's overall discontinuation on September 30, 2019, due to poor sales. Subsequent carriage on major providers ended amid contract expirations: dropped the channel effective May 1, 2023, following an advisory to subscribers about the termination. Cablelink followed suit on June 1, 2023, removing K-Plus from its lineup as part of expired agreements with the channel's distributor. Most recently, satellite provider discontinued the channel on January 1, 2024, citing the end of its contract with Omnicontent Management, distributor. As of 2025, K-Plus maintains no major satellite or cable presence in the , with availability limited to select IPTV platforms and streaming options, reflecting a shift toward digital alternatives amid ongoing carriage challenges. Despite these reductions, the channel benefits from a robust fanbase for Korean dramas, evidenced by a 40% surge in K-drama search volume in the from late 2024 to early 2025, driven by popular series releases. This enthusiasm persists even as linear access diminishes, with viewers increasingly turning to on-demand platforms. The channel's shrinking linear footprint stems from intense market competition, including free-to-air broadcasts of Korean content on networks like GMA and , as well as global streaming services such as and Disney+, which offer extensive K-drama libraries and exclusive originals tailored for Southeast Asian audiences. These factors have complicated carriage negotiations for premium channels like K-Plus, leading to terminations as providers prioritize cost-effective content bundles.

Malaysia

K-Plus became available in through Unifi TV starting October 1, 2021, as part of a broader addition of 10 new channels including Asian entertainment options. The channel is carried on channel 462 in and is integrated into various Unifi TV bundles, such as the Ultimate Plus Pack and Build-Your-Own Pack, leveraging Telekom Malaysia's fiber-optic network for delivery to subscribers. It also launched on on May 20, 2022, on channel 396, initially with a free preview period until May 31, 2022, before requiring subscription to the Korean pack from June 1 onward. The channel targets Malaysia's multicultural audience by offering content with English and Malay subtitles, enhancing accessibility for diverse viewers including the , , and Indian communities. Amid Malaysia's vibrant K-pop , which has seen increased popularity with numerous artist concerts and fan meets in , K-Plus has contributed to the growing interest in K-variety shows and lifestyle programming. This aligns with the broader Hallyu wave, where K-content appeals to younger demographics, particularly urban youth in cities like . Promotional efforts have included events tied to , fostering engagement through local partnerships. As of 2025, K-Plus maintains stability on key linear TV platforms in , with potential for further expansion through over-the-top (OTT) integrations, building on regional growth in during the 2020s.

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