Sayart.net - Controversy Surrounds KBS Decision to Cancel Variety Show “Beat Coin“

Fans Express Discontent Over Termination, Cite Streaming Popularity and Scheduling Issues

Courtesy of KBS

Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) faced backlash after deciding to cancel the variety show "Beat Coin," a program that gained popularity on streaming platforms but struggled with terrestrial television ratings. Starring comedians Hong Jin-kyung, Kim Sook, Jo Se-ho, model Joo Woo-jae, and singer Wooyoung, the show revolves around decisions made with a coin flip, earning praise for its unpredictable and non-clichéd episodes. 

▲ Courtesy of KBS

Despite positive reviews, "Beat Coin," which premiered on July 21, 2022, is set to air its last episode on Jan. 18 due to low terrestrial viewership ratings ranging from 1 to 2 percent, as reported by market research firm Nielsen Korea.

Contrastingly, the show proved popular on the streaming platform Wavve, securing the top spot in KBS' non-drama category for 28 weeks from May 8 to Nov. 13, 2023. It also ranked 10th in the entertainment buzz ranking for the third week of December 2023, considering titles from TV, streaming services, and online platforms.

The cancellation announcement on Dec. 22 prompted fans to engage in truck protests in front of the KBS headquarters in Seoul. Over 600 posts on KBS' viewer petition board expressed opposition to the decision, with more than 40 petitions receiving over 1,000 approvals, necessitating a response from the broadcasting company within 30 days, according to KBS regulations.

Fans argue that outdated viewership metrics and the program's scheduling contributed to its cancellation. Some claim that airing at an inconvenient time, Thursday at 8:30 p.m., led to the show's success on streaming platforms, where viewers found it more accessible.

An industry insider, speaking anonymously, suggested that KBS' financial constraints played a role in the cancellation, emphasizing the pressure to create low-cost, high-efficiency programs amid changing subscription fee collection dynamics. Streaming content poses challenges for broadcasting companies, including potential intellectual property losses and risks related to production talent.

The controversy highlights the ongoing debate over adapting viewership metrics and programming criteria to the evolving content landscape while addressing financial considerations in the broadcasting industry.

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