MUMBAI: Animation channel Animax will be launched in Korea later this month. It has hired three experienced senior staff members to ensure a smooth launch and successful programming and operations.

A joint venture between Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) and Korea Digital Satellite Broadcasting (KDB), Animax Korea will be carried exclusively on KDB'S DTH platform, SkyLife, which has a subscriber base of about 1.9 million in Korea.

Marty Hong, Sang-Im Kim and S.K. Kim, have been appointed in various senior capacities, bringing with them rich experience in their areas of expertise to ensure the successful launch of Animax Korea.

Hong is the channel's representative director. He has more than 15 years of working experience in the media and pay TV industry. He was previously MBC Dramanet MD.

Hong will be supported by Sang-Im Kim and S.K. Kim. Sang-Im Kim has assumed the post of programming director and will report directly to Hong. She will be responsible for the programming of Animax Korea, as well as on-air promotion and off-air marketing activities. Kim's experience spans more than 11 years in the pay TV industry, and was previously KDB channel manager where she oversaw and supported foreign retransmission channels on the DTH platform.

S.K. Kim will be Animax Korea's finance director/CFO and will be in charge of all financial aspects of the channel. He is a US CPA and has more than 14 years of financial and accounting experience.