'Infinite Challenge' hiatus may cost MBC TV nearly 2 bln won in lost sales
SEOUL, Feb. 8 (Yonhap) -- The hiatus of popular weekend show "Infinite Challenge" is estimated to cost its network MBC TV around 2 billion won (US$1.75 million) in lost sales, according to industry forecasts Wednesday.
First aired in 2005, the mission-oriented reality TV show is one of the most viewed non-drama programs in South Korea and a major breadwinner for the terrestrial broadcaster.
The Saturday evening program entered a seven-week hiatus on Jan. 28 to "take time for reorganization." The "golden timeslot" is being substituted with a four-episode comedy special and reruns.
"Infinite Challenge," which features a regular cast of popular celebrities, including Yoo Jae-suk and Park Myeong-soo, has attracted 40 commercials per episode, worth a total 540 million won in sales. Accordingly, during the seven weeks it would have raked in sales worth 3.8 billion won.
With the new comedy special on Jan. 28, the number of commercials for the timeslot dropped to 20. Viewership of the show, starring actor Kwon Sang-woo and comedian Jung Jun-ha, languished in the 5-6 percent range, far below the average 11-15 percent domain for "Infinite Challenge."
Unless the specials and reruns perform better, and without an increase in ad buyers, the network may face up to 2 billion won in lost sales.
"For the past two weeks, the number of commercials for 'Infinite Challenge' has halved. Things could get worse or remain this way until 'Infinite Challenge' resumes," an advertisement industry expert forecast.
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)
-
S. Korea to resume issuing short-term travel visas, e-visas next month
-
Ateez to drop new Japanese EP next week
-
(LEAD) At least 8 injured in S-Oil refinery explosion in Ulsan: firefighters
-
Hyundai Motor to invest US$5 bln in U.S. for robotics, autonomous driving development
-
(News Focus) S. Korean firms in delicate balancing act over U.S. economic framework
-
S. Korea to resume issuing short-term travel visas, e-visas next month
-
(5th LD) Yoon, Biden agree to expand joint military exercises to cope with N.K. threats
-
(LEAD) Yoon, PPP lawmakers travel to Gwangju en masse to commemorate 1980 democracy uprising
-
(LEAD) At least 8 injured in S-Oil refinery explosion in Ulsan: firefighters
-
(LEAD) Biden set to arrive in S. Korea for first summit with Yoon
-
Military develops new helmet capable of stopping stronger pistol rounds
-
Agencies remain silent as V of BTS, BLACKPINK's Jennie rumored to be dating
-
Biden says he and Yoon 'married up'
-
Premier League Golden Boot winner Son Heung-min receives hero's welcome home
-
U.S.-led IPEF outweighs China-involving RCEP in population, GDP