SBS PowerFM once again proved its position as the top music and entertainment channel in the radio ratings survey for the first quarter of 2026, based on the strong performance of its flagship programs. The flagship program 'Escape at Two Cultwo Show' ranked first across the entire music and entertainment genre, and 'Kim Young-chul's PowerFM', 'Hwang Je-seong's Hwang Je-seong Power' also entered the top five, driving the channel's overall competitiveness.
On Jan. 4, according to the first-round radio ratings survey for 2026 released by Hankook Research, SBS PowerFM recorded a 31.9% share among the core 20-49 audience, maintaining an unshakable first place.
This is the achievement of ranking first in 20-49 listenership for 16 consecutive years since the survey began in 2010, and it is an overwhelming record as the only radio channel to maintain a level in the 30% range. It showed a gap of more than double digits with the second-place channel, reaffirming its unique status as the radio channel most preferred by young people.
Program-level results were also dazzling. PowerFM's flagship program 'Escape at Two Cultwo Show' (hereinafter 'Cultwo Show') ranked first among all music and entertainment programs with a 9.1% share, confirming its status as a true national entertainment radio show. The top five included three programs led by 'Cultwo Show', 'Kim Young-chul's PowerFM', and 'Hwang Je-seong's Hwang Je-seong Power'. In particular, 'Hwang Je-seong's Hwang Je-seong Power' surpassed 6.2%, drawing a steep upward curve, and 'Kim Young-chul's PowerFM' also solidified its position as a representative morning program based on a strong listener base.
Regarding these results, 'Cultwo Show' DJ Kim Tae Kyun conveyed his joy on the air. Kim Tae Kyun said, "The first ratings survey result for 2026 is out. 'Cultwo Show' rose higher than in the last survey of last year and ranked first among Korea's entertainment radio programs. It's all thanks to the support sent by the show members," and added his trademark banter, "I think all of this is because I'm good," drawing laughter.
SBS LoveFM also achieved meaningful results. While the channel's share rose compared with the previous quarter, the flagship morning current affairs program 'Kim Tae Hyun's Political Show' also continued its upward trend in ratings.
This radio ratings survey was conducted over two weeks from Jan. 6 to 19, targeting 3,000 radio listeners aged 15 to 69 in Seoul and the metropolitan area.
[Photo] SBS
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