KBS ranked No. 1 in ratings for its broadcast of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. It not only took first place with its closing ceremony broadcast, but also dominated the event's coverage, claiming eight of the top 10 most-watched matches.

■ Women's Basketball Final at 10.3%, Highest Rating for a Korean Event

The ratings peak came with the women's basketball final. Broadcast live exclusively on KBS 1TV on September 26, the final recorded 10.3% nationwide according to Nielsen Korea, the highest figure among Korean events at the Games. The men's high jump final drew 9.8% on KBS 1TV on October 3, while the women's 400m relay heats in athletics recorded 8.5% on KBS 2TV on September 27. In addition, eight broadcast events across various sports, including handball and fencing, placed in the top 10 for cumulative ratings.

■ Closing Ceremony: Seo Chae-hyun Leads with the Taegeukgi

The closing ceremony broadcast took place at Mizhuo Park Athletics Stadium in Nagoya, Japan, with caster Lee Jae-hu and commentator Kim Moon-jung presiding. Sport climbing gold medalist Seo Chae-hyun carried the Taegeukgi and led the Korean delegation's entrance. The closing ceremony centered on the athletes' sportsmanship and records. Commentator Kim Moon-jung said, "It makes me reflect on the saying that 'sport is art.'"

■ Lee Young-pyo, Park Yong-taik, Kim Tae-gyun... Broadcast Team Draws Attention

The commentators and casters also drew attention. Commentators Jang Sung-gyu and Ki Bo-bae paired up for the archery broadcast, while Kangnam and music director Kim Moon-jung handled the opening ceremony commentary, showcasing deep knowledge of the host city. Lee Young-pyo joined the football broadcast, while Park Yong-taik and Kim Tae-gyun participated as commentators for baseball.

■ 'For the Asian Games, It's KBS Too'... Full-Channel Coverage for 16 Days

Under the slogan "Moments of Unity Once Again — For the Asian Games, It's KBS Too," KBS broadcast South Korean athletes' events across all of its channels for 16 days. During the Games, it aired a wide range of sports live on two channels, and exclusively broadcast live events rarely covered by other broadcasters, including athletics, rhythmic gymnastics, table tennis, shooting, and artistic gymnastics.

The closing ceremony recorded a nationwide rating of 2.8% and 2.3% in the metropolitan area according to Nielsen Korea, higher than MBC (1.8% nationwide, 1.9% in the metropolitan area).