KBS is still dealing with a general strike which has made this year’s award show impossible.
The KBS Entertainment Awards, one of KBS’ annual award ceremonies, has been canceled in the wake of an ongoing strike. In addition to this cancellation, the network’s other awards shows, the Drama Awards (Dec. 31) and Song Festival (Dec. 29), will be significantly reduced in size.
According to a December 8 announcement, the KBS production team decided not to hold the award show after holding a discussion. This is the first time that the Entertainment Awards has not be held since 2002 when it was first launched.
The KBS Entertainment Awards is an annual event held to pay tribute to producers and cast members who have worked to create the year’s best variety programs. Unlike the KBS Drama Awards, the Entertainment Awards have had difficulty proceeding with the ceremony normally. With only three weeks left until the end of the year, there simply is not enough time to prepare for the show. Moreover, the KBS production directors (PD) who are participating in the strike will also be absent, making the difficulty of bringing together all the different elements of the ceremony a top concern.
On November 21, 11 production department heads and team leaders resigned from KBS.
As a result of the above factors, KBS plans to only produce the Drama Awards and the Song Festival this year. Despite concerns about manpower, it is reported that they are preparing for the awards ceremony centering on non-union senior-level PDs.
However, the scale of these ceremonies is expected to be greatly reduced. Both award shows are in the process of securing MCs and guest attendees.
KBS union members have been on strike since September 4.
Original article
Translated by O.C
