Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event to be livestreamed on KT IPTV

Roh Tae-moon, chief of Samsung Electronics' mobile communications business, introduces new Galaxy devices at a virtual event in Jan. 15. Users of KT's IPTV service are able to watch Samsung Electronics' Galaxy Unpacked event which will start at 11 p.m. (KST), Aug. 11. Courtesy of Samsung Electronics

By Baek Byung-yeul

Users of KT's internet protocol TV service (IPTV) are able to watch Samsung Electronics' Galaxy Unpacked event, which will be held online at 11 p.m. (KST) Aug. 11, on their TV.

The telecommunications company said Wednesday that its IPTV service Olleh TV will broadcast Samsung's new smartphone introduction event.

Samsung has unveiled its latest gadgets under the name of the Galaxy Unpacked event both offline and online. Since the outbreak of the COVID-19, the company has held the Unpacked events online only. This is the first time that the Samsung event will be broadcast live on TV.

A KT official said livestreaming Samsung's event proves the competitiveness of its IPTV service.

"KT's Olleh TV is the largest IPTV platform in the country. Livestreaming the Samsung event shows our IPTV platform has been recognized as one of Korea's influential media platforms," the official said.

During the virtual event, Samsung is scheduled to unveil its latest foldable phones ― the Galaxy Z Fold3 and the Galaxy Z Flip3 ― and other new Galaxy gadgets such as smartwatches.

For viewers who will watch the Galaxy Unpacked event through its IPTV, KT is also coming up with a promotional event. After they watch the Unpacked event apply for the promotion event, KT will give out new Galaxy smartphones to five people through a lottery.

Also, KT will provide Olleh TV points worth 10,000 won to 1,500 people though a lottery. With the points, Olleh TV users are able to purchase various content such as TV shows and movies.

With more companies running their events online due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, expectation is growing that IPTV services can grow into a new type of platform as a promotional tool for global companies.

KT has secured a market share of 32 percent in the country's paid TV market. The company is expected to improve its market share to 35 percent after the company completes the acquisition of Hyundai HCN's paid TV service. KT is currently waiting for an approval from the Fair Trade Commission over its acquisition of Hyundai HCN.

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