How to Apply to SBS

9 min read Last updated April 20, 2026 1 open positions
Blake Crosley
Blake Crosley Researched using publicly available information, hiring data, and ATS analysis.

Key Takeaways

  • SBS is Korea's first private commercial broadcaster and one of the country's three major terrestrial networks, with strong domestic prestige and global K-content reach.
  • Apply directly through recruit.sbs.co.kr — SBS uses its own Korean-language portal, not a global ATS.
  • Producer (PD), reporter, and announcer tracks are historically among the most competitive professional paths in Korea, with applicant-to-hire ratios often in the hundreds.
  • Native or near-native Korean is effectively required for full-time roles; English is a meaningful plus for international content and global news work.
  • Production crew roles (camera, lighting, audio, editing, art) are frequently structured as freelance or contractor work — confirm employment status during hiring.
  • Korean broadcasting work weeks are long and on-call demands are real; honest acknowledgement of this during interviews tends to land better than overselling.
  • SBS sits inside a chaebol-adjacent ownership chain (Taeyoung Engineering & Construction, Yoon Se-young family, SBS Media Holdings) — strategic decisions reflect that structure.
  • OTT competition (Wavve, TVING, Netflix, Disney+) is reshaping SBS's content and digital priorities; candidates who understand this landscape have an edge.

About SBS

SBS (Seoul Broadcasting System; KOSPI: 034120) is one of South Korea's three major terrestrial broadcasters and the country's first private commercial network. Launched in 1990 after more than three decades of state-only television, SBS broke a public-broadcasting monopoly held by KBS and MBC and reshaped how Korean households consume news, drama, and variety entertainment. Headquartered in the SBS Prism Tower in the Mokdong district of Yeongdeungpo, Seoul, the company sits within a media holding structure: Taeyoung Engineering & Construction — controlled by the Yoon Se-young family — owns Taeyoung's media subsidiary, which controls SBS Media Holdings, which in turn controls SBS. Decisions about strategy, capital allocation, and executive appointments ultimately route back to that ownership chain, and prospective employees should understand that SBS operates inside a chaebol-adjacent governance structure rather than as an independent media company. SBS employs roughly 1,500 full-time staff and works with a much larger pool of freelancers, contractors, and production-house partners — particularly on the production side, where camera, lighting, sound, art, and post crews are commonly engaged on per-project terms. Its output spans terrestrial channels (SBS main, SBS Plus, SBS Funny F, SBS Sports, SBS Golf), the SBS-CNBC business news joint venture, radio (SBS Power FM 107.7 and SBS Love FM 103.5), and a fast-growing digital portfolio under SBS Catch and SBS Now. The company is also a co-investor in Wavve (KOSDAQ: 348700), the OTT joint venture with KT, CJ ENM, MBC, and KBS. Recent industry talks have focused on consolidating Wavve with CJ ENM's TVING to create a stronger Korean alternative to Netflix and Disney+, and that strategic question continues to influence SBS digital and content priorities. SBS is best known for high-impact dramas (My Love from the Star, Doctor Romantic, Penthouse, Doctor Slump, Suspicious Partner), variety formats (the original Running Man, Master in the House), and SBS 8 News, its flagship evening newscast. The K-content global boom has lifted licensing revenue from Netflix, Disney+, and other platforms, but the domestic advertising market remains under pressure and traditional broadcast viewership continues to migrate to OTT, mobile, and short-form video. Korean broadcasters also operate under heavy regulatory oversight from the Korea Communications Commission (KCC), which sets ownership rules, content standards, and licensing conditions across the industry. For job seekers, SBS still carries strong industry prestige, and the producer (PD), reporter, and anchor tracks are among the most competitive professional paths in Korea — but the work environment, hours, and contracting norms reflect a traditional Korean broadcaster, not a Silicon Valley tech employer. Workforce composition reflects that mix. Full-time SBS roles cluster in producing (PD), news reporting, anchoring and announcing, news writing and editing, technical engineering, sales and marketing, digital product, and corporate functions (HR, legal, finance, strategy). A much larger ecosystem of writers, freelance directors, contract camera and lighting crews, post-production houses, and program production partners surrounds the full-time staff and produces the majority of on-screen output. Compared to KBS and MBC — both of which have powerful unionized workforces with periodic strike activity — SBS has historically seen less union-driven labor disruption, but the underlying Korean broadcasting work culture (long hours, hierarchical decision-making, intense launch cycles around new dramas and tentpole programs) is similar. Candidates evaluating SBS should treat that backdrop as a baseline, not a surprise.

Application Process

  1. 1
    Monitor recruit

    Monitor recruit.sbs.co.kr (the official SBS careers portal) directly — most listings appear there first and are not syndicated to global job boards in English.

  2. 2
    Watch for the annual shinsotsu (new graduate) recruitment cycle, typically opene

    Watch for the annual shinsotsu (new graduate) recruitment cycle, typically opened in spring or fall, which is the primary entry path for producer (PD), reporter, anchor, and announcer tracks.

  3. 3
    Create your candidate account on recruit

    Create your candidate account on recruit.sbs.co.kr and complete the Korean-language application form; most postings require Korean fluency at native or near-native level.

  4. 4
    Submit the requested documents: standardized resume (이력서), self-introduction ess

    Submit the requested documents: standardized resume (이력서), self-introduction essay (자기소개서), academic transcripts, and any required language scores (TOEIC, OPIc, or equivalent depending on the track).

  5. 5
    Expect a written test (필기시험) for many corporate, news, and producer roles

    Expect a written test (필기시험) for many corporate, news, and producer roles — this is a Korean broadcasting industry norm and can include essays, current-affairs questions, and aptitude testing.

  6. 6
    Prepare for multi-round interviews: practical assessment (실무 면접) with working-le

    Prepare for multi-round interviews: practical assessment (실무 면접) with working-level managers, followed by an executive interview (임원 면접) with senior leadership.

  7. 7
    For announcer, reporter, and on-air roles, expect camera tests, voice tests, and

    For announcer, reporter, and on-air roles, expect camera tests, voice tests, and live reading evaluations alongside the standard interview rounds.

  8. 8
    Production and post-production roles (camera, lighting, audio, editing, art) are

    Production and post-production roles (camera, lighting, audio, editing, art) are frequently filled through contractor or freelance arrangements rather than full-time SBS headcount — clarify employment status before accepting.

  9. 9
    Track second-tier openings via SBS Media Holdings, SBS Plus, SBS-CNBC, and Wavve

    Track second-tier openings via SBS Media Holdings, SBS Plus, SBS-CNBC, and Wavve, which post separately and sometimes have less competitive applicant pools than the main SBS channel.

  10. 10
    Verify any third-party recruiter contact against recruit

    Verify any third-party recruiter contact against recruit.sbs.co.kr — Korean broadcaster brand names attract scams, and SBS will not ask for payment or personal financial information during hiring.

Resume Tips for SBS

recommended

Use a standardized Korean resume format (이력서) — Korean broadcasters expect the c

Use a standardized Korean resume format (이력서) — Korean broadcasters expect the conventional structure, not a Western chronological CV.

recommended

Write your self-introduction essay (자기소개서) in clear, structured Korean covering

Write your self-introduction essay (자기소개서) in clear, structured Korean covering motivation, growth experience, strengths, and a concrete vision for your role at SBS.

recommended

Lead with quantifiable broadcast or media outcomes: viewership figures, digital

Lead with quantifiable broadcast or media outcomes: viewership figures, digital views, ad revenue impact, awards, festival selections, or audience growth numbers.

recommended

For PD candidates, list specific programs you have worked on, your role on each,

For PD candidates, list specific programs you have worked on, your role on each, and any creative credits — credits matter more than abstract claims.

recommended

For reporter and anchor candidates, attach demo reels or sample broadcasts hoste

For reporter and anchor candidates, attach demo reels or sample broadcasts hosted on a stable URL; describe the story, your role, and the outcome in plain language.

recommended

Document language proficiency precisely: TOPIK level for Korean (if non-native),

Document language proficiency precisely: TOPIK level for Korean (if non-native), and TOEIC, OPIc, or equivalent scores for English; international content distribution roles weigh English heavily.

recommended

Surface relevant Korean broadcasting context — KBS, MBC, JTBC, tvN, CJ ENM, or W

Surface relevant Korean broadcasting context — KBS, MBC, JTBC, tvN, CJ ENM, or Wavve experience signals that you understand the industry; production-house experience also counts.

recommended

List technical tools honestly (Avid, Adobe Premiere, DaVinci Resolve, ENG camera

List technical tools honestly (Avid, Adobe Premiere, DaVinci Resolve, ENG cameras, studio switchers, NLE workflows) — production crew roles will be tested on these.

recommended

Avoid translated buzzwords: 'synergy', 'paradigm shift', or 'innovative thinker'

Avoid translated buzzwords: 'synergy', 'paradigm shift', or 'innovative thinker' read as filler in both English and Korean and waste limited reviewer attention.

recommended

Keep total length to two pages maximum; reviewers at major Korean broadcasters m

Keep total length to two pages maximum; reviewers at major Korean broadcasters move through hundreds of applications per cycle and reward focused, specific writing.

ATS System: Custom SBS recruitment portal (recruit.sbs.co.kr)

SBS uses its own Korean-language recruiting portal at recruit.sbs.co.kr rather than a global ATS like Workday, Greenhouse, or SmartRecruiters. The portal is built around the standard Korean application packet (resume, self-introduction essay, transcripts, language scores) and is the canonical source of truth for open positions. Most postings, application status updates, and interview scheduling flow through this portal. The interface is primarily in Korean, and some forms validate Korean character input strictly.

  • Apply directly through recruit.sbs.co.kr — do not rely on third-party Korean job boards as the only signal, since some openings appear there late or not at all.
  • Create your account well before a posting opens so you can submit quickly when the application window starts; popular tracks can fill review queues fast.
  • Have your Korean resume and self-introduction essay drafted and proofread in advance — the portal does not give you unlimited time to compose long essays in-session.
  • Save copies of every submitted document locally; the portal is the official record but local backups protect you if you need to reapply or appeal.
  • Watch your registered email and the portal status page during active cycles — written test invitations and interview slots are often time-boxed and require fast confirmation.
  • If you live abroad, confirm whether the role supports remote interview rounds; some tracks (especially announcer and on-air) require in-person attendance in Seoul.

Interview Culture

SBS interviews follow the structured Korean broadcaster pattern: a written test or assessment first, then a working-level interview (실무 면접) with managers from the hiring desk or department, then an executive interview (임원 면접) with senior leadership. For producer and reporter tracks, expect questions on current affairs, Korean media policy, recent SBS programming, the competitive landscape (KBS, MBC, JTBC, tvN, Channel A, TV Chosun, MBN), and the OTT shift toward Wavve, TVING, Netflix, and Disney+. Announcers and on-air talent face additional camera tests, voice and reading assessments, and sometimes live ad-lib evaluation under studio conditions. Practical and technical roles — camera, lighting, audio, editing, art, broadcast engineering — typically include hands-on tests and portfolio review against real production scenarios. The interview tone is formal, hierarchical, and respectful by Korean professional norms. Expect to answer questions about your motivation for choosing SBS specifically (rather than KBS, MBC, JTBC, or tvN), your understanding of the company's current strategy, your view on the OTT versus terrestrial broadcast transition, and your willingness to handle the demanding hours and on-call expectations of Korean broadcasting. Questions about long-term commitment, team fit, and ability to operate within an established hierarchy are common. Senior interviewers may probe your knowledge of recent SBS hits, your read on competitor moves, and how you would adapt a format or news desk to digital audiences. English is occasionally tested for international content distribution and global news roles, but Korean is the default working language for almost every interview round, and Korean fluency is assessed implicitly throughout each conversation. Be candid about your strengths, your limits, and your interest in the specific track you applied to. Korean broadcasting work weeks are historically long, production schedules are intense, and freelance or contractor status is common on the production side. Interviewers generally respect candidates who acknowledge these realities and explain why they still want the work, rather than candidates who oversell or hide concerns. Bringing concrete observations about SBS programming — what works, what could be sharper, what you would build given the chance — tends to land better than generic admiration.

What SBS Looks For

  • Native or near-native Korean fluency for almost every full-time track, with strong written Korean for reporter, PD, and corporate roles.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of Korean broadcasting, recent SBS programming, and the competitive dynamics among KBS, MBC, JTBC, tvN, and OTT platforms.
  • Producer (PD) candidates: creative judgment, taste, format thinking, and an ability to articulate why a story or program would land with a Korean audience.
  • Reporter candidates: news judgment, on-camera presence, source-building instincts, and a clear ethical framework for sensitive coverage.
  • Announcer candidates: voice quality, pronunciation, on-air composure, and the ability to handle live reading and ad-lib under pressure.
  • Production and engineering roles: hands-on technical skill with broadcast equipment, NLE software, studio workflows, and the discipline to meet tight on-air deadlines.
  • Digital and OTT roles: understanding of streaming distribution, audience analytics, short-form formats, and the Wavve and broader Korean OTT landscape.
  • Resilience under long hours and tight production cycles, which remain a baseline reality of Korean broadcasting work.
  • Cultural fit with a hierarchical, traditional Korean corporate environment — including comfort with formal communication norms and senior-junior dynamics.
  • Sales, marketing, and corporate strategy candidates: commercial fluency in the Korean ad market, brand integration, and the regulatory environment under the KCC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to speak Korean to work at SBS?
For nearly every full-time role, yes — native or near-native Korean is effectively required. Some international content distribution and global news positions weigh English heavily, but Korean remains the default working language inside the company, and the recruitment portal itself is in Korean.
How competitive is the SBS PD (producer) track?
Extremely competitive. Producer recruitment at major Korean terrestrial broadcasters has historically attracted hundreds of applicants per opening, with ratios that can reach the high hundreds to one. Treat the PD track as a multi-year preparation effort rather than a casual application.
Where do I apply for SBS jobs?
Apply directly at recruit.sbs.co.kr, the official SBS careers portal. SBS uses its own Korean-language recruitment system rather than a global ATS, and the portal is the canonical source for open positions, written test invitations, and interview scheduling.
When does SBS hire new graduates?
SBS, like other major Korean broadcasters, runs annual shinsotsu (new graduate) recruitment cycles, typically in spring and sometimes fall. Watch recruit.sbs.co.kr and SBS official announcements for the exact window each year.
Are SBS production crew roles full-time employees?
Often not. Camera, lighting, audio, editing, and art roles are frequently engaged through freelance or contractor arrangements, sometimes via partner production houses. Confirm whether a specific role is full-time SBS headcount or contractor before accepting.
What is the interview process like?
Most tracks include a written test, a working-level (실무) interview with hiring managers, and an executive (임원) interview with senior leadership. Announcer and on-air roles add camera, voice, and live reading tests. Practical and engineering roles include hands-on assessments.
Who owns SBS?
SBS is controlled through SBS Media Holdings, which is owned by Taeyoung's media subsidiary; Taeyoung Engineering & Construction is controlled by the Yoon Se-young family. SBS is publicly listed on KOSPI under ticker 034120, but strategic decisions ultimately flow through that ownership chain.
How does SBS compete with Netflix and Disney+?
SBS competes through traditional terrestrial broadcast, premium drama and variety output, and as a co-investor in Wavve (KOSDAQ: 348700), an OTT joint venture with KT, CJ ENM, MBC, and KBS. Industry talks about consolidating Wavve with CJ ENM's TVING continue to influence SBS's digital strategy.
What are the working hours like at SBS?
Korean broadcasting work weeks are historically long, with production schedules, live news cycles, and on-call demands that exceed typical office norms. This is industry-wide rather than SBS-specific. Honesty about your willingness to handle these conditions is generally received better than overstatement.
Are there opportunities for international candidates?
Limited but real. Roles in international content distribution, global news, format sales, and English-language services occasionally open for candidates with strong language skills and relevant industry background. Most other tracks expect Korean fluency and in-Seoul presence.
Does SBS sponsor work visas?
SBS does sponsor work authorization for some specialized roles, particularly in international and English-language content, but visa sponsorship is not standard across all positions. Confirm sponsorship explicitly during the application or interview process before relocating.
How do I tell if a recruiter contacting me is legitimate?
Cross-check any inbound recruiter or agency contact against recruit.sbs.co.kr. SBS will not ask for payment, banking information, or personal financial details during hiring. If something feels off, contact SBS HR directly through the official portal before responding.

Open Positions

SBS currently has 1 open positions.

Check Your Resume Before Applying → View 1 open positions at SBS

Related Resources

Related Articles

Sources

  1. SBS Recruitment Portal (recruit.sbs.co.kr) —
  2. SBS Official Corporate Site —
  3. SBS Media Holdings Corporate Information —
  4. Korea Exchange (KRX) — SBS Listing (034120) —
  5. Wavve Streaming Service (KOSDAQ: 348700) —
  6. Korea Communications Commission (KCC) —
  7. Taeyoung Engineering & Construction Corporate Site —
  8. SBS News (SBS 8 News and SBS NEWS digital) —
  9. SBS Wikipedia (Seoul Broadcasting System) —
  10. Korea Press Foundation — Broadcasting Industry Reports —
  11. Wavve Wikipedia (Korean OTT Joint Venture) —
  12. TVING (CJ ENM OTT) Corporate Information —