Overview of Korean broadcasting scene in 2023: Song Joong-ki Remarried, Seo Se-won Passed Away, and More
In 2023, the broadcasting scene in Korea experienced various events
Actor Song Joong-ki (38) successfully balanced work and love, marrying British actress Katy Louise Saunders. However, there was a surge in divorce news among stars, including announcers Park Ji-yoon (44) and Choi Dong-seok (45). KBS faced a significant crisis due to issues like separate collection of license fees, but Netflix’s content remained powerful. Shows like “Physical: 100” and the documentary “In the Name of God: A Holy Betrayal” gained attention both domestically and internationally.
Song Joong-ki, who remarried in January, had a successful year with high viewership ratings for JTBC’s “Reborn Rich” and the movie “Hopeless” being invited to the 2023 Cannes Film Festival.
However, divorces were prevalent among star couples. KBS faced financial difficulties, and its leadership underwent changes. Meanwhile, YouTube stars, including former UDT member Dex, continued to thrive across various platforms.
Netflix’s “Physical: 100” became a global hit. It is a survival game where participants compete for a prize of 300 million won. The show gained international popularity, breaking records for a Korean entertainment program on Netflix. Another impactful show was “In the Name of God: A Holy Betrayal“, which delved into controversial religious leader Jung Myung-seok, creating significant societal discussions.
The mystery surrounding the death of comedian Seo Se-won in Cambodia continued. The year also saw the emergence of new relationships, such as model-turned-MC Seo Jung-hee finding love after overcoming breast cancer.
Despite KBS facing its biggest crisis, YouTube stars, including Dex, played a crucial role in the entertainment landscape. Notable shows like “Physical: 100” and “In the Name of God: A Holy Betrayal” demonstrated the power of content in shaping public discourse.
Overall, the year 2023 in Korean broadcasting was marked by a mix of success, challenges, divorces among stars and the continued influence of online platforms like Netflix and YouTube.
Source: Daum
