‘Strongest Baseball’ Production Cost Controversy: Director Jang Responds to JTBC Claims
SEOUL (AP) — Director Jang si-won, producer of the popular South Korean baseball entertainment program ‘Strongest Baseball,’ has vehemently denied allegations of excessive production cost claims made by broadcaster JTBC. The dispute threatens the future collaboration between the production company, Studio Siwon (C1), and JTBC, potentially impacting the show’s upcoming seasons.
Director Jang Denies Overcharging Allegations, Accuses JTBC of Unfair Practices
Jang Si-won’s representatives released a statement calling JTBC’s claims a “serious distortion of facts” and a “defamatory accusation” against both C1 and Jang himself. The core of the disagreement centers around production costs and revenue sharing for the program.
Dispute Arises Over revenue Sharing and Production Cost Transparency
The director’s team argues that JTBC’s practice of splitting single games into two episodes to generate more advertising revenue is unfair, as C1 is only compensated based on the number of games produced. According to Jang’s representatives,”JTBC earns advertising revenue per episode,but it is difficult to understand that C1 should receive production costs for each game,” labeling it a “classic case of double standards.”
Moreover, Jang contends that the production agreement between C1 and JTBC did not involve after-the-fact claims or cost-plus accounting, making the accusation of “overcharging” structurally impossible. The statement alleges that JTBC has not shared revenue from direct viewing and related sales for the past two years and has refused to provide information on the total revenue generated by season 3 (2024).
Transparency Accusations Challenged with Audit History
addressing JTBC’s claims that C1 has refused to disclose production cost expenditure details, Jang asserts that C1 has provided all requested financial information for JTBC’s external audits as its establishment in February 2022. “In the process, no problems were raised at all,” the statement emphasized.
Conflicting Statements on Future of ‘Strongest Baseball’
The conflict extends to the program’s future plans. On February 25, JTBC announced the cancellation of the ‘Strongest Baseball’ tryouts via its official Instagram account, citing a reorganization period ahead of the new season. Tho, Jang contradicted this announcement on his social media, stating that the stove league was proceeding as planned and that the tryouts woudl take place as scheduled. “‘Strongest Baseball’ belongs to the viewers and fans, so I will do my best to keep my promise to the viewers and fans,” Jang stated.
How does Director Jang’s argument regarding JTBC splitting games into multiple episodes challenge the existing revenue-sharing model for “Strongest Baseball”?
‘Strongest Baseball’ Production Cost Controversy: Director Jang Responds to JTBC Claims
SEOUL (AP) — Director Jang si-won, producer of the popular South Korean baseball entertainment program ‘Strongest Baseball,’ has vehemently denied allegations of excessive production cost claims made by broadcaster JTBC. The dispute threatens the future collaboration between the production company, Studio Siwon (C1), and JTBC, possibly impacting the show’s upcoming seasons.
director Jang Denies Overcharging Allegations, Accuses JTBC of Unfair Practices
Jang Si-won’s representatives released a statement calling JTBC’s claims a “serious distortion of facts” and a “defamatory accusation” against both C1 and Jang himself. The core of the disagreement centers around production costs and revenue sharing for the program.
Dispute Arises Over revenue Sharing and Production Cost Transparency
The director’s team argues that JTBC’s practice of splitting single games into two episodes to generate more advertising revenue is unfair, as C1 is only compensated based on the number of games produced. According to Jang’s representatives,”JTBC earns advertising revenue per episode,but it is difficult to understand that C1 should recieve production costs for each game,” labeling it a “classic case of double standards.”
Moreover, jang contends that the production agreement between C1 and JTBC did not involve after-the-fact claims or cost-plus accounting, making the accusation of “overcharging” structurally impractical. The statement alleges that JTBC has not shared revenue from direct viewing and related sales for the past two years and has refused to provide facts on the total revenue generated by season 3 (2024).
Transparency Accusations Challenged with Audit History
addressing JTBC’s claims that C1 has refused to disclose production cost expenditure details,Jang asserts that C1 has provided all requested financial information for JTBC’s external audits as its establishment in February 2022. ”In the process, no problems were raised at all,” the statement emphasized.
Conflicting Statements on Future of ‘Strongest Baseball’
The conflict extends to the program’s future plans. On february 25,JTBC announced the cancellation of the ‘Strongest Baseball’ tryouts via its official Instagram account,citing a reorganization period ahead of the new season. Tho, Jang contradicted this announcement on his social media, stating that the stove league was proceeding as planned and that the tryouts woudl take place as scheduled. “‘Strongest Baseball’ belongs to the viewers and fans, so I will do my best to keep my promise to the viewers and fans,” Jang stated.
‘Strongest Baseball’ Controversy: Q&A
- What is the core of the dispute between Director Jang and JTBC?
- The main point of contention revolves around production costs, revenue sharing, and transparency. director Jang accuses JTBC of unfair practices, including splitting games into multiple episodes for increased advertising revenue while not compensating C1 accordingly. He also contests the lack of revenue sharing from direct viewing and related sales.
- Why is the splitting of games into multiple episodes an issue?
- JTBC profits from advertising revenue per episode, but C1 (Director Jang’s production company) is paid based on the number of games produced. This discrepancy is perceived as unfair by Jang’s team as JTBC benefits more from the additional episodes without adequately compensating C1 for the extra content.
- What are the allegations of overcharging based on, and how does Jang refute them?
- JTBC alleges overcharging.Though, Jang refutes this by stating the production agreement did not include after-the-fact claims or cost-plus accounting. He also claims C1 has fully cooperated with all external audits and provided all necessary financial information as 2022.
- What is the current status of ‘Strongest Baseball’ according to Jang and JTBC?
- JTBC announced the cancellation of tryouts via its social media, citing a reorganization period. Director Jang contradicted this, stating the stove league and tryouts are proceeding as planned, demonstrating conflicting views on the show’s future.
- What is the significance of the ‘stove league’ reference?
- In Korean professional baseball, the “stove league” is the off-season, a period of roster adjustments and player movements. By mentioning it, Jang indicates that the show’s activity is ongoing, and the show is not cancelled.
- What happens next?
- The future of ‘strongest Baseball’ hangs in the balance.It is unclear whether JTBC and C1 will be able to resolve their differences. Fans should watch for further announcements from both sides.
The ongoing conflict between Director Jang and JTBC highlights the complex issues of production, revenue, and transparency in the entertainment industry. Stay tuned for updates on the future of ‘Strongest Baseball’.
