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Broadcast stations prepare for strike possibility

A potential strike is on the horizon, which may halt immediate episodes for some drama productions, including Kim Suro, Baker King Kim Tak-gu, Gloria (the three pictured above), Giant, and I Am Legend, among eight others. There are a total of 13 shows that are affected, all from outside production companies.

The union for broadcasting professionals (repping actors, staff, and performers) held a meeting on August 27 to discuss the problem of outstanding salary payments, and came to the decision that they will refuse participation in those productions until the issue is settled. The strike would begin September 1, which means that those shows will have to stop filming until the matter is resolved.

The amount in unpaid wages comes to 4.368 billion won ($3.67 million), as of July 31. As a result, the three broadcasters are scrambling to find solutions if a strike becomes reality.

The broadcasting company whose shows have the most payments in default is MBC. Their drama department has called meetings on the 30th, just two days before the proposed strike, to try to find solutions. One representative said that they are trying to find the “most rational” compromise.

The drama department director from KBS said that the outside production company for Baker King has requested a cash advance, in order to pay their outstanding wages and thereby continue shooting. No doubt that the top-rated drama of the year wants to keep up its momentum toward the big finale, rather than interrupt it because of a strike.

SBS has been spending all week in negotiations, but has yet to come upon an internal consensus.


SBS’s Giant, I Am Legend

The articles point to an abuse of the outside production system; I think there’s fault on all sides. I see a couple of issues at play here. In the past, dramas were largely developed in-house within the three broadcasting stations. (Think The World They Live In.) Writers and directors were employed by the broadcasters, and the funding would therefore come from within as well. However, in recent years there have been more and more productions being “outsourced,” for lack of a better term, to standalone production houses, like Chorokbaem, Group 8, Taewon, Yigim, and so on. Those companies develop projects and sell them to broadcasters, who pay for the rights to air them. That’s how you have dramas that can be developed and shot but find themselves unable to get a concrete timeslot with a broadcast company for months on end (The Musical, Birdie Buddy).

I’m not 100% clear on the payment process, but the impression I get is that this system is financially beneficial to the broadcasters, because they reap the benefits of ad revenues but don’t bear as much risk for failed productions, since they just pay for what they buy. (If my understanding is off, please correct me.) Whereas, if a production company finances a drama project that tanks midway through, it bears the financial burden. This is doubly hard on them because they are smaller to begin with, and many of these companies are just one bad drama away from bankruptcy.

Imagine if, for example, IRIS never made it to the air — the company would have to foot the bill for all those location shoots, A-list actor salaries, crew wages, and so forth, but without a buyer, they have little way to recoup their costs. (This is also why there is a drastic increase of product placement in recent years, because that’s one way for the production teams to earn back some of their expenses.) Daemul is an example of a high-budget project that hit the skids; I feel like they can’t afford not to produce their show, at this point.

Via Star News, TV Report

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Yikes. Wanting to be paid is understandable, but I feel like a strike would be just as bad for both sides if it affects the success of the shows that are being delayed. Why aren't the broadcasting stations keeping up with their bills? Well... I hope they can work something out.

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Thanks so much for the update! I've been waiting to hear news about the strike since two of the three dramas I'm currently watching will be affected (though thankfully it sounds like Baker King is safe.)

Hope things turn out okay!!

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Oh no! I need to watch Kim Tak Goo!!!

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argh! that's exactly how i reacted.. but then reading JB's post that Baker King have a cash advance to pay for workers - so i think we're okay..

let's just pray that it won't have to result in strike, because i'm watching 4 dramas currently. lol

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me 2 T_T

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Kim Tak Goo ROCKS! =)

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OMG! Exactly what I said after I read the news, and just as I was rolling down the page to see the comments, and right before I spotted yours. O.O

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Its sad that dramas may be delayed, however, people need to get their pay. Its horrible that things have to come to this. People have homes, families and obligations that cost money. I realize that there is so much that has to be allocated here and there but if you hire someone for a job, you need to have the means(or find them) to give the salary promised, within a reasonable amount of time. Unfortunately, something like this not only affects those that are without pay but also the actors and production teams that aren't immediately affected(by halting filming/airing).
Its horrible all around. I do hope they come to a reasonable solution.
Also JB you mention that the broadcasters don't see immediate effects of flops due to outside companies, but with a strike wouldn't that have some bearing on them in some way?

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why television companies in Korea having problems financially? hmmm.... Shouldn't they have source as commercials/ endorsements pay them highly?

(just curious...)

hmm.. I want to watch Baker King on time... chaebal...

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I may be wrong, bust most of them actually refuse to use other companies or brands in their dramas. I remember City Hall and their confusing Burger King - one example of [not really]indirect advertising.

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Well, that has to change. We chatted a little on the OT how poor characters seem to have magical suitcases with unlimited amount of clothing. There are many instances ripe for product placement. Even, unfortunately, couple items could be used for profit.

Japanese Dramas do make product placement announcements usually twice (sometimes just once) during a show. (and there are commercials) Yes, sometimes there are product placements in the show as well, but not as blatant as in American shows seem to do now. (There's a lot of name dropping and hanging on the item name or saying how great it is. See Psych for example. That stuff drives me nuts.)

If Miho should was drinking Sprite/Coke/Pepsi all along, would this bother you during the show? It definitely would leave an impact to me, but I guess it wouldn't kill the show. With the fashion stuff, people go seeking out the products anyways - why not blatantly advertise them?

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Thank good that Tak Goo will air but what about My girlfriend is a Gumiho????? I want to watch it on time as well!!!

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@6, yes I also want to know about My Girlfriend is a Gumiho! Will it be affected by the strikes?

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Finally an article about it. Thanks Javabean.. ^^

This is mad... I know strike is not a very good option but i guess by doing this, those companies/workers who have been working hard for all those dramas we have been enjoying but did not get paid have to do something to get their payment.

It's kind of ridiculous not getting paid. especially when you are working hard, day and night and maybe getting less sleep and add it with bad economy! >____<

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*the rest got cut off. Thank God I copy it.* xD

Continue:

Maybe it's time for those Major stations to re-think on how their payment gonna be. and I wonder why with the outstanding? O_o and also the outstanding wages.. I'm curious is it only from the current drama productions or is it together with the previous drama production? If it added up of both, that's ridiculous! So, i hope it did not. >___<

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Finally an article about it. Thanks Javabean.. ^^

This is mad... I know strike is not a very good option but i guess by doing this, those companies/workers who have been working hard for all those dramas we have been enjoying but did not get paid have to do something to get their payment.
Yes.. it may affect the dramas (I'm currently watching King of Baker and I'm legend) but sometime to get this moving and not happening ever again (the unpaid wages), things got to happened and here the thing that have to happened is unfortunately by refusing to start the production of those dramas.

We hurt their source of income (through Adverts) and they may be able to move forward and I think this way is much much better than the last strike they have.

Thou, I do not really understand what it meant by "repping actors, staff, and performers". However if these mean involving the actors as in those leads characters and staff involving the script writers and lol I'm not sure what type of performers, this strike will kill the stations. As my opinions they can't just fired them and take in a new one (?)

LOL that is only my personal opinion and sorry for rambling. Don't know if you guys get it or not! >__<

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LOL I forgot to delete the first 4 line. >_<" Sorry bout that guys...

p.s: Writing such stuff make me realise how limited my Vocab is.. *sigh* Need to learn more words... lol

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You're doing great..just keep at it. I really admire people who are bilingual or multilingual. I'm trying to learn Korean and I'm not doing so well! :(

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@6 & @7: My question exactly... does anyone know if My Girlfriend is Gumiho will be affected?! I really hope not! Been looking forward to this week's episodes like crazy~

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I heard MGIAG is not affected and so does Playful kiss.. I hope that's true! ^^

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4.368 billion won ($3.67 million)! That is quite a lot! I wonder what the "the “most rational” compromise" would be. It's hard to compromise on wages.

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Gosh.....Is something happens to TV companies, huh?
..I hope that they will keep airing this best drama "Kim Tak Goo" because it made me soo addicting to watch, of course. (crossing my fingers) Please work it out & stay this best drama "Baker King" safe!

Ah, it's same thing as "Girlfriend Gumiho" drama (I love this funny drama), too!

I will pray for them to try to work it out! (hold my hands so shake gently)

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Oh goodness. O_o Wow, I hooopppe it's NOT my best top of drama "Baker King" (I'm still addicting to watch), lolz. I am sure that "Baker King" drama is safe. =)

What happened to Girlfriend Gumiho drama, huh? KEEP THIS AIRING, of course.

Okay, This 2 dramas = Girlfriend Gumiho & Baker King =

NO strike. (winks) ^_^

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JB would u recap sungkyunwan scandal??

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this comment girl.... just no.

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I LOOOOVVVEEE this TOP best drama "Baker King"!!!

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Noooooo...I hope they don't have the strike. I want to watch my favorite drama!!!!

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Oh, I'm sure that now all people involved will forget about the unpaid ~3,7 million $$$ just to satisfy internet viewers

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LOL xD

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oi....that's just so unfortunate...of course when a problem arises, there's always two sides at fault...no one's 100% at fault, hence compromise...That's no small amount of money and the broadcasting companies are going to have to come up with some kind of solution asap before the netizens and viewers become impatient. Of course, when that happens, it's usually the broadcasting companies that are targeted for most, if not all the blame.
:.sigh.: and on the viewer point, PLEASE DONT CANCEL :( haha i'll be so depressed if that happens...

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OMGSHHHHH, why GLORIAAAAA......my one and only love!

Damn , all of these dramas are on my 'current watch' list.....SH*T!

hmm they won't be cancelled I presume but awww....

This is like Giant! when the council of construction (?) didn't approve some crap from companies....It's like the media version...Council vs. Networks

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wowwwwww i never read of something like that in other country ,a massive strike which affect many series of one country !,i am very amazed ,i understand in the place of the actors they need the money they deserve but at the same time which thing will watch the public ?

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There was a writer's strike in the US that affected a lot of shows a few years ago.

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Not only did it affect those shows airing, but also affected everything production, pre-production, some even post-production shows, and members of Screenwriter's Guild from pitching anything new.

It was very hard on the industry, hope that the back wages are coughed up and no excuses.

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It's definitely important to know the whole story, rather than blame the strikers! (Not that anyone here is doing that.)

The WGA strike was frustrating at the time because a lot of people who didn't bother to educate themselves about the strike blamed the writers, assuming they just wanted more money. Actually, the things that they were striking for were totally reasonable (such as royalties from "new media" viewings). Thankfully, it all worked out and scripted programming returned to our TVs, although some series' ratings never recovered (Pushing Daisies for example).

Likewise, these strikers' demands seem totally justified. Hope it is resolved. (To be honest, I wouldn't mind Baker King going off the air for a week or two so MGIAG can gain some ground. However, I wouldn't want that to happen at the expense of any production workers.)

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I am glad that Korea has production companies making their own series and then selling them to the various networks. On the flip side is Hong Kong. TVB produces all their series with their in-house stars. Actors signed to TVB are not allowed to perform at any other stations without TVB's approval. Watching TVB series are real boring because you'll see the same actors over and over again. Even singers signed to TVB cannot promote their new songs on any shows except on TVB. Let's hope the networks, production companies and artists work everything out so we can continue to enjoy our favorite series. It's only tun.

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They should resolve this already, especially with Baker King. 1 week without BK might be a bad move for its ratings. 6 more episodes to go, the momentum is so up there. Don't let it fall. KBS, think, think!

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What?! Giant on hold? How do I go on? We are in the most interesting point right now. You can't just leave us there! No!

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I know, they just can't do this to us, nooooo!

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Let's all hope the strike does not last long !
( addicted to Giant T_T ! )

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deflating....... oh no.... compromise is best with how the world's economy IS.... Hope the strike won't be too long.. thanks JB/GF..

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$3.67 million?!! That is crazy!..how did the crew and other employees of production company manage without getting paid ?!..broadcast companies are def making money off of these dramas. as much as i love watching k dramas i hope the broadcast companies start paying up..or else !! i'll go on a strike myself!!..( of course not by choice..but all the dramas will be on hold ..so..)

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no! i really2 hope a strike does not happen..it will definitely affect the drama(s) momentum..especially tak gu and giant, both are leading in their timeslot~

besides, i need my weekly dose of tak gu! huhuhu

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It's like pulling off the drugs frim the drug addicts... Hope the withdrawal syndrome isn't going to be long, or all hell will break loose. It's not easy to resolve the issue, but one can hope that they're able to do it soon.

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TBH, whilst ill be annoyed at not getting my kdrama dose, there is no excuse for broadcast companies not keeping up with their payments.

When they say 'compromise' I hope that translates to paying the money they owe. Its allways the small companies that seem to get screwed over ;[

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Exactly, the little companies and little guys: for all those who thing there should be a compromise, let's compromise on your paycheck for a few days/weeks/months and then see what side of this argument you are on!

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Does this mean I may possibly not be able to see Park Sung-woong and Park Sang-min and my dramas??!! I'm already feeling light-headed...
Hope the issue gets resolved. Though no one is going to be 100% happy, from a viewer's and third-person's perspective, a prolonged argument seems bad for both sides.

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wow, thats quite a lot of money they owe!! i dont see what there is to compromise about unless its by when they will be paid in full! after all, people need money to pay off bills, support their family, and other stuff. if they companies owe them money then they deserve the strike.

though it may be disappointing that this happened, the companies had it coming if their workers werent getting paid!

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If outsourcing isn't that beneficial, we won't see this many production house out there.

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wow... this is crazy. i suppose you'll always run into these kinds of problems as the entertainment industry becomes bigger and bigger. I just hope that I Am Legend isn't affected too much - so far the writing's great, and it'd suck for it to get ruined half way through by the strike.

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If both side can agree on a payment plan a strike might be averted. It's not as if the big three are cash strapped, they're making money and should be able to pay its workers (subcontractors/production staff) accordingly.

Like most have said at this point if a strike happens it's going to take some time for the broadcasters and the production companies to recover from the stoppage.

I'm looking forward to seeing how far KBS/KBS2 bends over backwards to avoid their #1 (Baker King) show from going on hiatus. If the other broadcasters are smart if/when the strike happens they had better jump on the chance to take KBS/KBS2's top spot.

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broadcaster buying series from outside production. is that like broadcast syndication?

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Although I love to watch these dramas, I don't mind not seeing them for a while if it meant people who've worked their butt off will get their pay.

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in a way, most international fans of kdramas are also responsible for this problem. when we watch kdramas via illegal online sites instead of live, we contribute to the problem. when we buy pirated/illegal CDs/DVDs of our favorite kdramas/movies, we also contribute to the problem.

so stop whining and start doing your share to help solve this problem. be responsible kdrama watchers.

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hmmm maybe the world cup was just an excuse.

First I am all for the people who do the work getting paid. I will be one of those who will be a tad upset if I am Legend will get derailed for the moment.
Seems there are changes to be made and it also seems like they have been a long time coming. I just hope as an internet viewer I wont have huge, drastic changes.

JB thanks for keeping us/me up to date, in the loop ..so to speak.

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Hmm is there is a possibility... a production house "sell/market/gather interest" for a project and then a broadcaster said "ok, we'll like that, all right, we invest in your project?"

Likely?

I guess there is no benchmark in a sense as production co and broadcasters are so different worldwide....

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Please Please Please don't interrup Kim Tak-Gu!!! You just can't do that!!! The finale is coming up! I need to watch itttttttt!!!!!!!!

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it's okay as long it is not MGIAG.. ^_^

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Is this another cause of the global recession or is it just bad management? I feel bad for the people not getting paid. Well, fingers crossed for the best.

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frankly there always been something..well odd in the way Korea does business, specially so in the entertainment side. I am sure it all goes on in every country after all it is a 'business' they do not make TV shows for the sake of art but to make money but the underhandness or air of it is always present like a sandal just waiting to happen. I am not sure if that mean Korean are just bad at underhand deals or they are just so prevalent that it is taken for granted there

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ah if they cut kim tak goo ill go craaazyy

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Will Playful Kiss halt as well after airing a few eps? Ekkkk~ I haven't really noticed much product placements in several recent shows, not to the point where we were all talking about them like mad. I suppose most recent shows have a giant auto maker backing them up or a mega electronics co doing so. Not enough? Maybe I miss those every 5 mins. product placements more than ever now.

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Am I awful for hoping that this strike will bring more people to watch My Girlfriend is Gumiho ?

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LOL NO you're not.. Now if it is true that King of baking will be affected. It will be a battle between Playful Kiss and My Girlfriend is a Gumiho.

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well it's true that baker king is affected but they already paid in advance so no...and (i'm pretty biased because i love baker king...haha) its ratings will be untouchable :)

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MGIAG should wait until Kim Tak goo finished in order to get more people watch it...hhahaha..usually i prefer watching rom-com but KIm Tak Goo is too much addicting for me..

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people work and should get paid. Wake up broadcasters!!

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jb unni
i read on naaver that kim tak goo was ok (as in they all got paid now) and it wont get cancelled but the other shows might still go on strike

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