MBC Drama Producers Clash with Disney+ Over ‘Big Bet’ Re-Air, Delaying Original Series

In a rare act of vocal resistance, 53 producers and staff members from South Korea’s MBC drama division have released a collective statement opposing the network’s sudden decision to re-air Disney+ hit series Big Bet (originally known as Casino) during its prime weekend drama slot, consequently delaying an anticipated original series titled Judge Lee Han-young to early next year.

The statement, issued on June 14, criticized the network’s executive decision made during the May 27 Drama Competitiveness Committee meeting. Despite clear opposition raised at the time, the move was enforced, leading producers to accuse MBC of prioritizing short-term financial gain over creative integrity. “MBC is beginning to resemble a Disney+ rerun channel, rather than focusing on its own original content,” the statement read.

The delayed series, Judge Lee Han-young, revolves around a judge who awakens from a coma after a wrongful death and returns to the past to seek justice. The show, based on a popular web novel, stars Ji Sung, Won Jin-ah, and Park Hee-soon, and is helmed by PD Lee Jae-jin and writer Kim Kwang-jin. Due to the scheduling shift, the drama’s production now faces renegotiation with cast members, potentially weakening years of trust between creators and management.

Producers also demanded revisions to the network’s decision-making and budget allocation practices, urging a shift from revenue-first operations to creator-driven programming. Big Bet, meanwhile, is a crime thriller about Cha Moo-sik, a man who rises from poverty to become a casino mogul in the Philippines, only to be entangled in a murder case. Directed and written by Kang Yoon-sung (The Outlaws, 2017), Big Bet is considered Disney+’s breakout Korean hit and previously saw ratings of 4–5% during MBC’s broadcast of Disney’s Moving.

An MBC spokesperson responded: “This is part of a broader programming strategy to boost channel competitiveness and profitability. We remain committed to delivering high-quality content while continuing to invest in strengthening our internal production capabilities.”

This controversy highlights a growing tension in global content ecosystems as traditional broadcasters recalibrate their strategies in the age of streaming, balancing between financial pressures and nurturing creative innovation.