SBS Apologizes for Copying

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter

Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS), one of Korea's major broadcasters, admitted Wednesday that they copied a Japanese clip called "Getting Prepared for Work in Five Minutes" for its popular show "Star King".

The program was aired last Saturday, and a local performer carried out the exact same clip on stage.

While the Japanese version showed a man preparing for work in only five minutes, the program showed a man getting ready in three minutes.

The program drew criticism after its airing by viewers who already knew about the Japanese version, but the producer claimed that the performer devised the overall concept and that they had no idea it was based on a Japanese clip.

However, according to the local Internet news service by CBS, Nocut News, the makers of "Star King" showed the video of the Japanese version to the performers and told them to do exactly the same thing, but only in three minutes. The news portal added that the performers rehearsed at a hotel and even at SBS headquarters with the producers present.

With news out that the program makers explicitly copied the Japanese clip, SBS released a press release, admitting their misconduct.

"We have concluded that the makers of the show have given the Japanese version to the performers and made them rehearse before the actual shooting. We have decided to change the producer. She will be suspended for the time being", the press release said.

"Star King" is one of the channel's most popular programs, hosted by Kang Ho-dong. Every week, the show offers the stage to people with distinctive talents, from singing, dancing and drawing to mimicking. A panel, mostly made up of celebrities, vote for the best contestant.

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