The company was established in 1991.[1] In 1998, it started inserting commercials locally, then in 1999, began distributing programs to The International Channel, including MBC Newsdesk. A 24-hour satellite feed started broadcasting in 2000.[2]
Over-the-air digital broadcasts started in 2004. One of the first stations to pick up the network was KBCB in Seattle[3] On August 1, 2005, the company stopped distributing videos to video stores; instead, adopting a direct sales method from its Los Angeles offices.[4] In April 2006, the channel was added to DirecTV, with the launch of its KoreanDirect package. This enabled the channel to be broadcast nationwide.[5] On October 23, 2007, MBC America started distributing its catalog of Spanish-dubbed dramas to Spanish-language stations in the New York and Los Angeles metro areas.[6]
On August 1, 2008, regular over-the-air broadcasts started under the MBC-D brand. The new network carried the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Korean.[7] Initially limited to Los Angeles and New York, its reach expanded to San Francisco on March 16, 2009, on KTSF's multiplex.[8] Broadcasts to U-verse subscribers started on March 22, 2009.[9]
On November 8, 2011, it signed a contract with Oyang America to bring GS Home Shopping to the United States, airing on the network from November 18.[10]
In 2015, MBC America had tensions with Arirang TV, whose broadcasting status in the United States lapsed the previous year. IPAA, a broadcasting organization established by Koreans in Los Angeles, denounced MBC America and Arirang for receiving all documents to take part in the broadcasting sector. Employees of both networks traded accusations.[11]
In 2017, MBC America was facing difficulties due to a scandal involving its previous CEO Yoon Dong-yeol, who, according to employees, caused "ridiculous drama". He accused director Hong Sang-won of sexual harassment and sent the information to the parent facilities in Seoul.[12]
As of April 2025, terrestrial distribution of MBC DTV is limited to six stations in California.[13]