"Unbelievable Stories"... Will SBS's 'Sesang-e Ireon Ili' Be Cancelled?

Abolition Proposal After 26 Years... PDs Issue Statement of Opposition
Reason: Feels Old and Lacks Competitiveness

Broadcasters Lim Seong-hoon and Park So-hyun, who are hosting SBS's "Moment Capture: Such Things in the World."
[Image provided by SBS]

The long-running SBS current affairs and educational program "Moment Capture: Unbelievable Stories in the World" (Sesang-e Ireon Il-i), which has been on air for 26 years, is facing cancellation.

According to the broadcasting industry on the 17th, SBS decided to cancel "Sesang-e Ireon Il-i" and notified the responsible PD on the 8th. SBS is reportedly considering cancellation because the program feels outdated and lacks competitiveness. The show's ratings have recently been in the 2% range, with the highest rating this year being 3.4%.

However, PDs belonging to the current affairs and educational division are said to be strongly opposing this. In a statement, they said, "We only received an official response from the head of the current affairs and educational bureau after the regular PD meeting of the division was held on the 12th," adding, "The division's position is 'We oppose the program's cancellation and have requested a time slot change from the programming side.' We decided to believe that. Now is the time to unite our efforts to protect 'Sesang-e Ireon Il-i.'"

They continued, "'Sesang-e Ireon Il-i' is a program where writers and PDs develop their skills by covering stories about the world and people," emphasizing, "Evaluation criteria should rightfully include intangible values encompassing the roles within the organization, not just profits."

First broadcast in May 1998, the program introduces fascinating people or incidents to provide viewers with laughter and emotion. Notably, broadcasters Im Seong-hoon and Park So-hyun have served as the main MCs from the early days until now, and the two received a plaque of appreciation from SBS in September 2018 upon reaching 1,000 episodes.

Meanwhile, a cold wind is blowing in the broadcasting industry this year. At KBS, programs such as "Hong Kim Dongjeon" and "Problematic Men in the Rooftop Room" were suddenly announced for cancellation at the end of last year. Especially after the cancellation news of "Hong Kim Dongjeon" was revealed, some viewers protested with a truck demonstration in front of the KBS main building. However, the program ultimately followed the cancellation process.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.