Hunan TV’s “Super–Vocal.” (image: Hunan TV)
SEOUL, May 31 (Korea Bizwire) — It has been reported that a Chinese broadcasting company has stolen the concept of a South Korean show and even sold the program to foreign markets.
According to the broadcasting industry, Hunan TV, China’s largest satellite broadcaster, aired a show called “Super–Vocal” late last year, which copied South Korean cable channel JTBC’s singing competition show “Phantom Singer.”
There were some differences in the rules, but the program took a format quite similar to “Phantom Singer,” which created a male crossover quartet, given that singers in various fields, including vocal, musical and pop, appear as participants and they form a combination.
The stage art, lighting and camera work are also quite similar to the popular JTBC show.
The Chinese program also imitated “Phantom Singer” in selections and arrangements that can be said to be the core of music entertainment.
A similar program is planned to be aired in North America through a contract with a TV producer in the U.S.
In response JTBC claims that they have never officially sold the format of the show to China. JTBC is upset with the situation and will protest strongly.
D. M. Park (dmpark@koreabizwire.com)
