'Shooting Stars' has been embroiled in another broadcasting manipulation controversy after four years. This time, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has even intervened. As this issue has resurfaced four years after efforts to regain its original intent, there is significant attention on the production team's explanation, especially since a lack of accurate and detailed clarification could lead to a potential cancellation.
The G League finals between FC Gucheokjangsin and FC Wonder Woman was broadcast on SBS 'Shooting Stars' (hereafter referred to as 'Shooting Stars') on the 28th of last month.
At that time, FC Gucheokjangsin won 2-1, capturing their first championship title. After the broadcast, members of FC Gucheokjangsin shared images of themselves embracing the trophy and celebrating, relishing the afterglow of their victory. Given that FC Gucheokjangsin had been active since the show's first broadcast, the emotions associated with their first championship were heightened.
However, after the broadcast, controversy arose over biased officiating as FC Gucheokjangsin players attempted rough fouls, such as pulling and tackling, to stop the opposing team's ace, Yu Mashima, without receiving any warnings. In response, the production team released the game's record, which confirmed that Yu Mashima had actually received a warning in the 12th minute of the second half, fueling the controversy.
Most notably, the scene where Yu Mashima received the warning did not appear in the live broadcast or in the full video uploaded on YouTube, raising suspicions of manipulation. In reaction, the SBS viewer board criticized the need for clarification on the biased officiating and broadcasting manipulation allegations, and an internet user stated they had officially reported the officiating controversy to the Korea Sport Ethics Center (K-SEC).
This internet user noted, 'Significant questions have been raised regarding the fairness of the officiating and rule application related to the 'Shooting Stars' G League finals (broadcast on August 27). In particular, the fact that the warning scene recorded in the game record did not appear in either the broadcast or the official YouTube full version, and that the applicable rules were not comprehensively disclosed, makes post-event verification of the officiating rationale impossible, which points to critical issues.'
Furthermore, they explained, 'Even if it is in a variety format, once rules, referees, and records are in place, the game enters the realm of public trust. During the investigation, it is essential to confirm whether the rules disclosed and managed by the production team were consistently applied in the actual game.'
Ultimately, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism intervened. According to industry sources on the 4th, the ministry reportedly referred a complaint filed on the 2nd regarding allegations of biased officiating and editing manipulation in 'Shooting Stars' to its affiliated organization, the Korea Sport Ethics Center (K-SEC). It is known that the formal investigation has not yet begun, but the transfer of the complaint itself has drawn attention.
The broadcasting manipulation controversy regarding 'Shooting Stars' is not the first. In 2021, the program faced controversy for altering the sequence of goals, leading to an apology along with the announcement of a change in the production team to 'return to its original intent and start anew.' With the re-emergence of broadcasting manipulation allegations after four years, the previously damaged trust has been further eroded, and as this issue could potentially escalate to cancellation, a precise explanation from the production team is crucial.
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