The number of Internet Protocol television subscribers surpassed 7 million on Friday, according to the Korea Digital Media Industry Association.

Since its first appearance in January 2009, the IPTV penetration rate has been faster than any other paid TV broadcasting such as cable TV and satellite broadcasting. It took eight years for cable TV to pass 7 million subscriptions and nine years for satellite broadcasting to reach 3 million.

Analysts said the fast rise in IPTV subscriptions is largely thanks to its operators’ brisk marketing activities and new services.

Korea is the fourth-largest IPTV market behind China, the U.S., and France.

By Choi In-jeong, Intern reporter
(injeongchoi@heraldcorp.com)