Busan English Broadcasting (BeFM), operated by the Busan Global City Foundation (President Jun Yongwoo), has surpassed 150,000 subscribers on its official YouTube channel (@befm), marking a major milestone in the digital transformation of regional broadcasting in Korea.
Launched as a regional FM radio station (FM 90.5/103.3 MHz), BeFM began producing digital-first content in earnest last year. It achieved 100,000 subscribers in January 2025 and rapidly grew to 150,000 as of July 22—an increase of 50% in just six months. The station attributes this surge to its commitment to creating high-quality, engaging content and a full-scale organizational focus on digital expansion.
Pioneering New Media Strategy
BeFM’s success is rare among local radio stations and is largely credited to its innovative approach. This includes an average of five daily live “visual radio” broadcasts, as well as a growing library of short-form and mid-form English learning videos tailored for online audiences.
Unique program series such as “Bujingeo Game: Survival English Challenge for Busan Civil Servants” and “A Day with Foreign Exchange Students and Korean College Students” have also resonated with younger and more diverse demographics, drawing in new waves of subscribers.
Expanding Reach: BeFM Kids and Young Power Season 2
To further broaden its impact, BeFM is preparing to launch “BeFM Kids”, a new YouTube channel focused on English education for preschoolers. The first episode is scheduled to go live in August. At the same time, “Young Power Season 2”, a highly anticipated sequel to last year’s hit series, is currently in production and will also be released in August. The new season features singer Kim Johan, comedian Lee Sang-hoon, and several popular BeFM hosts.
A BeFM representative shared, “We hope this milestone brings Busan closer to becoming a truly English-friendly city.”
150K Subscriber Giveaway Event
In celebration of reaching 150,000 subscribers, BeFM has launched a special giveaway event, which began on Wednesday, July 23.
BeFM continues to play a vital role in connecting local and international communities by providing multicultural content and information for foreigners residing in and around Busan. In addition to its YouTube presence, BeFM broadcasts are accessible via terrestrial radio, the BeFM mobile app, and online streaming at www.befm.or.kr.
