Jeonil Broadcasting Corporation: The Rise and Fall of Gwangju's Voice of Chonil
The Jeonil Broadcasting Corporation, widely recognized by its abbreviation VOC (Voice of Chonil), served as a vital commercial radio hub in Gwangju, South Korea. From its inception in the early 1970s to its abrupt closure in 1980, the station played a significant role in local media, sports commentary, and the cultural fabric of the region before becoming a casualty of political upheaval.
Key Facts
- Founded: April 24, 1971.
- Call Sign: HLAA.
- Frequencies: Originally 1220 kHz, moved to 1224 kHz in 1978.
- Affiliation: TBC (Tongyang Broadcasting Company) affiliate.
- Closure Date: November 30, 1980.
- Successor: Integrated into the Korean Broadcasting System (KBS).
The Establishment and Growth of VOC
The journey of the Jeonil Broadcasting Corporation began on December 10, 1970, when it received its preliminary license under the call sign HLAA. The station officially commenced regular broadcasts on April 24, 1971. While it operated as a TBC affiliate—receiving programming directly from Seoul—its creation was heavily supported by the Jeonnam Ilbo.
Beyond general news and entertainment, VOC carved out a niche in local sports. The station specialized in broadcasting youth baseball matches, providing a platform for emerging talent. Notably, Kim Dong-yeop, who would later become a prominent figure with the Haitai Tigers, launched his professional media career as a baseball commentator for VOC.
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Political Turmoil and Forced Closure
The station's operational peak was cut short by the political instability of the era. In May 1980, Gwangju became the epicenter of anti-dictatorship protests. During this period, VOC found itself under the strict control of Martial Law forces. These forces forcibly censored the station's 6 p.m. news scripts, systematically removing all references to the events of May 18.
The end of the station came as part of the government's Policy for Merger and Abolition of the Press. On November 1, 1980, the government announced the shutdown of VOC. After 3,507 days of broadcasting, the station signed off for the last time on November 30, 1980, with the poignant closing message: "We hope that God's protection will forever be with your family." Following the closure, the station's staff were absorbed into the Korean Broadcasting System (KBS).
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Legacy and Reunions
Decades after its dissolution, the memory of VOC continues to bring former colleagues and artists together. In February 2017, approximately 20 former staff members gathered for the first time since 1980 to share their experiences and memories of the May 1980 incidents.
The station's cultural impact also extended to music. Between 1978 and 1980, VOC hosted the University Song Festival. On December 14, 2023, artists who had participated in this festival held a reunion to commemorate their shared history.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Call Sign | HLAA |
| Operational Period | 1971 – 1980 |
| Primary Frequencies | 1220 kHz (1971), 1224 kHz (1978) |
| Key Programming | TBC Seoul feeds, Local Youth Baseball, University Song Festival |
| Reason for Closure | Government Policy for Merger and Abolition of the Press |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does VOC stand for in the context of Gwangju radio?
VOC stands for Voice of Chonil, the English name for the Jeonil Broadcasting Corporation.
How did the May 1980 protests affect the station?
The station was subjected to forced censorship by Martial Law forces, who removed all mentions of the May 18 incidents from the 6 p.m. news broadcasts.
What happened to the staff after VOC closed?
Following the station's shutdown on November 30, 1980, the staff members were moved to the Korean Broadcasting System (KBS).
Who is a notable media personality that started at VOC?
Kim Dong-yeop, who later worked for the Haitai Tigers, began his career as a baseball commentator at VOC.
What was the VOC University Song Festival?
It was a musical event held by the station between 1978 and 1980, which recently saw a reunion of its participating artists in December 2023.