MUMBAI: Entertainment channel BBC Prime which is distributed by UK pubcaster the BBC's commercial arm BBC Worldwide has commenced broadcasting in Korea through a deal with SkyLife.

BBC Prime will be available through SkyLife on channel 334, with Korean subtitles.The channel offers subscribers an insight into British culture, with comedy, drama, music, entertainment, documentary and lifestyle programming from the BBC and the UK. It is developed and managed by the team that has established the hugely successful BBC Prime channel across Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia.

BBC Worldwide director of channels Wayne Dunsford said, "Launching BBC Prime in Korea, as the multi-channel market is growing so rapidly in Asia, is very exciting. We are delighted to be working with SkyLife and following the success of recent launches - BBC Japan and BBC Prime in Asia - we are looking forward to strengthening BBC Prime's presence in the region. The channel offers the best of the BBC's entertainment content and has already obtained a loyal audience across Europe, the Middle East and Africa."

"We are delighted to present BBC Worldwide's international entertainment channel, BBC Prime, to our viewers. The introduction of BBC Prime helps diversify SkyLife's channel portfolio and we will make every effort to provide high quality programmes showcasing a variety of foreign cultures in the future,"says SkyLife MD Kim Dong-jin.

Till the end of this year the channel's schedule will include a variety of special, seasonal programming including The British Monarchy (November), Comedy Month (November), Minette Waters season (November) and Murderous Christmas.