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Cinedigm, JungoTV and Korean Broadcast Powerhouse SBS Partner to Launch HALLYPOP™ Digital-First Network Celebrating Asian Pop Music and CultureSHERMAN OAKS, Calif., April 25, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cinedigm (NASDAQ:CIDM), JungoTV and SBS—a leading Seoul-based South Korean television network—announced today a partnership to launch HALLYPOP™, a new digital-first entertainment network focused on K-pop, Asian music, EDM and pop culture. The new HD network will launch this summer, targeting distribution on traditional operators and digital platforms, as well as a part of applicable “skinny” bundles. HALLYPOP is Cinedigm’s second channel partnership with JungoTV, a global OTT and distribution company led by media executive and former Crunchyroll Chief Content Officer George Chung, and co-founder Dr. Mehmet Oz, the cardiothoracic surgeon and host of the EMMY® Award-winning “Dr. Oz Show.” The channel’s name comes from the Korean term “Hallyu”—or “The Korean Wave”—describing the rise in popularity of South Korean culture around the world, due to the vast spread of K-dramas and, of course, K-pop. Defying language and cultural barriers, K-pop has established itself as one of the globe’s fastest growing music genres with reports citing that the global K-pop fan base has more than doubled its numbers over the last half-decade, growing to 70 million fans around the world in 2017. It has been reported that YouTube estimates that views of videos by the top 200 K-pop artists have tripled since 2012, achieving more than 24 billion views in 2017, with approximately 80 percent of those views located outside of South Korea. Social media has played a large role in these artists thrving on a worldwide platform and the Industry is taking notice, as the Billboard’s Social 50 charts for the week of April 14th had K-pop bands ranking in the top six spots. “By unifying people of all races and languages, K-pop inspires us all,” said Dr. Mehmet Oz, JungoTV co-founder. “From North and South America, to Asia and the Middle East, K-pop has captivated the minds and ears of millions and millions of people from all walks of life. We’re excited to join forces with Cinedigm and SBS to bring this incredible art form into even more homes.” Millions of people have experienced the phenomenon of K-pop,” said George Chung, JungoTV CEO. “With the launch of the HALLYPOP channel, we hope to provide an amazing interactive platform for K-pop and Asian music enthusiasts worldwide to come and enjoy the latest hits from the genre’s top artists. We look forward to partnering with Cinedigm and SBS to spread this beloved genre’s reach even further across the globe.” “With the launch of SBS LIVE OTT services, SBS International has successfully made the transition from a traditional broadcaster to a digital channel provider. As the industry leader in Korean entertainment, the strength of the SBS program line-up will position HALLYPOP as one of the sought-after digital channels among the millennial generation,” said Hong Kun Lee, CEO of SBS International. “We are very pleased to enter into a partnership with JungoTV and Cinedigm and look forward to meeting K-pop fans around the world.” “K-pop has quickly become a global sensation and an international billion-dollar industry,” said Erick Opeka, EVP of Cinedigm Networks. “HALLYPOP is a great complement to Cinedigm’s growing portfolio of networks dedicated to super fans and enthusiasts, and we can’t wait to bring it to programming platforms across the world.” HALLYPOP is the eighth channel from Cinedigm’s rapidly growing Digital Networks Group, which plans, launches and operates owned-and-operated as well as partner networks. Currently the company operates factual network Docurama, fandom lifestyle network CONtv, gaming lifestyle network WHAM, family-focused Dove Channel, kids-focused DoveKids, and combat-sports network COMBAT GO. The company has plans to pursue additional network partnerships in the coming months. ABOUT JungoTV ABOUT SBS International ABOUT Cinedigm Press Contact for Cinedigm: |