Top Ratings and 100 Million YouTube Views: SBS Dominates Nagoya Asian Games

As the 2026 Nagoya Asian Games came to a close on October 4, SBS proved its prowess as the "house of sports broadcasting" by achieving overwhelming results across all categories of TV ratings and digital buzz.

SBS ranked first in the prime-time 2049 average ratings, which advertisers closely monitor, recording 1.3% and beating MBC (1.2%) and KBS1 (0.9%). It also secured a dominant upper hand among the three major broadcasters by taking half, or 10 matches, of the top 20 most-watched jointly broadcast games (based on the Seoul metropolitan area by Nielsen Korea).

In particular, SBS swept first place in ratings for all matches in major events such as baseball, fencing, badminton, and gymnastics. The baseball final match between South Korea and Japan recorded 3.1% for metropolitan 2049 and 6.7% for households, ranking first among the three major terrestrial broadcasters and second in the top 20 jointly broadcast games, vividly delivering South Korea's golden moments.

Digital metrics were equally overwhelming. As of October 4, the cumulative views for SBS Asian Games content, spearheaded by SBS Sports, surpassed 102.3 million. It produced 27 pieces of content with over 1 million views and 11 pieces with over 2 million views, while the highlights of the men's football quarterfinal match between North Korea and Japan recorded an unrivaled 5.25 million views.

At the center of these record-breaking achievements were the sharp analyses of a stellar commentary team. Commentator Park Tae-hwan's prediction that "recording around 3 minutes and 31 seconds will guarantee a medal" proved accurate with the South Korean men's medley relay team winning a bronze medal with a national record (3 minutes 31.97 seconds). Commentator Park Joo-ho's football tactical analysis and athlete Shin Min-ha's goal predictions also hit the mark. Furthermore, Gu Bon-gil's vivid fencing commentary following his transition into a commentator, coupled with Jun Hyun-moo's calm hosting in his first challenge as an archery caster, drew favorable reviews from viewers.

(Photo courtesy of SBS Entertainment News, reported by Kang Sun-ae)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.