[EDITORIALS]Is it plagiarism?

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[EDITORIALS]Is it plagiarism?

Japan’s Fuji TV recently raised the question of plagiarism on certain programs on KBS and SBS. The two major Korean television networks are planning to send a reply, denying any plagiarism. The main point of their defense is that when it comes to entertainment programs, it is likely that different TV networks can come up with similar ideas.
We note that this is the first time that a question of this kind is raised between the broadcasters of the two countries, setting aside the question of plagiarism on specific programs. In the 1970s and 1980s, people on the local broadcasting scene spoke publicly about “going on a business trip to Busan” to copy Japanese TV programs. For the broadcasting staff who grew up in this climate, it is hard to deny that they have become callous to imitating Japanese programming.
People have raised suspicions online that more than 10 local programs of the major TV networks are modeled after foreign programs. The networks are making all sorts of excuses, citing the ambiguous standard over plagiarism of TV programs. But they cannot ignore what their critics say online, such as “It was a total shock . . . It was the same program that I saw in Japan two years ago.” When one network’s program gains attention, others run similar programs with only a slight twist on the angle. This is today’s portrait of broadcasting networks, criticized by viewers.
We have already reached the era of satellite broadcasting and we are about to raise the curtain on digital broadcasting, which indicates how strikingly broadcasting has been developing when it comes to hardware. But software, the core of broadcasting, is falling behind. In a world where broadcasting formats are possible export items, it cannot be more shameful that networks are stigmatized over plagiarism.
With this incident as an opportunity, networks must discard their established production methods and keep pace with cutting edge broadcasting. Producers must improve creativity, and their experimental spirit must be recognized. Sufficient time should be taken to watch over a production, rather than running a program purely for audience ratings.
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