Korean Pop music, or K-Pop, took the world by storm this year.

Four comprehensive programming cable TV channels and one news-only cable channel were launched in South Korea on December first.

The four cable TV channels are JoongAng Daily’s JTBC, Chosun Ilbo’s TV Chosun, Dong-A Ilbo’s Channel A and Maeil Business Newspaper’s MBN. The all-news cable channel is "news Y" of Yonhap news agency.

With the launch of the new channels, TV viewers are expected to have a wider selection of programs.

The operators of the five channels are hoping that the new channels may break the long dominance of the nation’s terrestrial broadcasters and will trigger a major change in the media market. The new channels are also expected to stimulate the development of media industries and lead to the creation of jobs in media sectors.

However, concerns have also been raised about possible side effects that could accompany the launch of the new channels, including excessive competition over winning advertising contracts.

1. N.Korea Stages Multiple Provocations Against S. Korea

2. Oct. 26th By-elections Marks Emergence of New Political Forces

3. KORUS FTA Ratified, Korea-EU FTA Effectuated

4. South Korea Tops $1 Tln in Annual Trade Volume

5. Pyeongchang Selected to Host 2018 Winter Olympics

6. Rescue Operation for Korean Freighter Ends Successfully

7. Financial Sector Rattled by Savings Banks Corruption

8. Looted Cultural Assets Return Home

9. K-Pop Takes World by Storm

10. Comprehensive Programming TV Channels Go on the Air