MBN’s ‘Great Show: Taekwondo’ Payment Controversy: What Happened to the 1 Billion Won Prize?

Photo: Poster for “The Great Show: Taekwon”

MBN Addresses Allegations of Unpaid Fees for “The Great Show: Taekwon” Cast

MBN has responded to claims that it failed to pay appearance fees and the winner’s prize for its reality competition show “The Great Show: Taekwon.”

On Tuesday, MBN stated that it had signed a production contract with Studio&Creative and paid the full production budget of 18.8 billion KRW (approximately $14.1 million USD) as scheduled. The network emphasized its efforts to ensure that these funds were properly distributed to producers, writers, and partner companies.

However, MBN revealed that in November, they learned that cast and crew payments were outstanding and additional production costs had accrued. The network claims to have repeatedly requested documentation from Studio&Creative regarding these payments and extra expenses.

According to MBN, the production company has refused to disclose detailed payment records or provide additional documentation, asserting they have no obligation to report on costs beyond the initial budget.

“We are acutely aware of the difficulties faced by the cast and staff affected by this situation,” MBN stated. “We are demanding that Studio&Creative take responsible action to resolve this issue promptly and will actively work towards finding solutions for all affected parties.”

Reports indicate that none of the cast members, including hosts Jang Sung-kyu and Na Tae-ju, and judge Park Kal-lin, received payments beyond the first episode, despite the show concluding last August. The agreed-upon grand prize of 100 million KRW (about $75,000 USD) for winner Kwon Young-in also remains unpaid.

The show’s production structure, where cast members contracted directly with Studio&Creative while MBN held a separate agreement with the production company, has raised questions about the extent of the broadcaster’s responsibility in such outsourcing arrangements.

MBN’s Official Statement on Unpaid Fees for “The Great Show: Taekwon”

MBN aired “The Great Show: Taekwon” in 2025.

We contracted Studio&Creative for production and paid the full 18.8 billion KRW (approximately $14.1 million USD) budget on schedule.

MBN made efforts to verify that these funds reached the intended recipients, including production staff and partner companies.

Upon learning of payment issues and additional costs in November, we repeatedly requested documentation from Studio&Creative.

The production company has refused to provide detailed records, claiming no obligation beyond the initial budget.

MBN acknowledges the impact on cast and crew and is committed to resolving this situation.

We are pushing for Studio&Creative to take responsible action and will cooperate in finding solutions for affected individuals. Additionally, MBN will strengthen oversight of production payments and implement systemic improvements to prevent similar incidents.

[Reported by Kim Tae-hyung, Sports Today ent@stoo.com]
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