SEOUL, December 20, 2025 – A South Korean court has sided with broadcaster JTBC in a high-stakes intellectual property dispute with Studio C1 over the popular sports entertainment program “Best Baseball,” effectively halting the production of Studio C1’s competing show, “Fireworks Baseball.”
- The court prohibited Studio C1 from producing, selling, distributing, or transmitting “Fireworks Baseball.”
- JTBC claimed Studio C1 intentionally sought to capitalize on the reputation of “strongest Baseball” to attract viewers.
- The legal battle stems from allegations that Studio C1 unfairly used cast members and program elements from the original show.
The 60th Civil Affairs Division of the Seoul Central District Court ruled that studio C1’s “Fireworks Baseball” constituted an act of unfair competition under the unfair Competition Prevention Act. Specifically, the court steadfast that Studio C1 utilized the core cast and components of “Strongest Baseball” without substantial modification, and presented the new program as a continuation of the original, drawing on game content, records, and narratives established in “Best baseball.”
According to the court, JTBC and JTBC JoongAng invested over 30 billion won (approximately $22.5 million USD) in production costs over three years to create “Strongest Baseball.” This investment allowed them to secure prominent coaches and players-including Kim Seong-geun, Lee dae-ho, Park Yong-taek, and Jeong Geun-woo-and broadcast the program through established channels. Studio C1 was able to attract similar talent, the court found, becuase of the groundwork laid by JTBC’s financial support and broadcasting infrastructure.
The court emphasized that Studio C1 appeared to have intentionally produced “Fireworks Baseball” to exploit the established reputation and audience appeal of “Strongest Baseball,” specifically targeting viewers anticipating a fourth season of the original program. This action, the court stated, prevented JTBC from producing and broadcasting “Strongest Baseball” Season 4 in a timely manner, disrupting the program’s continuity and diverting viewership. The court also noted that the timing of “Fireworks Baseball’s” broadcast directly infringed upon JTBC’s economic interests.
The legal dispute also centered on copyright ownership. The court highlighted that the original co-production agreement stipulated that JTBC would pay Studio C1 110% of the standard production cost as a broadcasting rights fee, while retaining copyright to the program. Studio C1, in turn, received incentives based on viewership ratings and a share of revenue generated from production sponsorship, indirect advertising, and virtual advertising. “JTBC appears to have compensated Studio C1 significantly for its investment and efforts,” the court stated.
As a result of the ruling,Studio C1 is prohibited from producing,transmitting,selling,distributing,or otherwise releasing any content related to “Fireworks Baseball,” including videos and programs featuring players referred to as ‘Firefighters.’
Studio C1 responded to the ruling with a statement indicating their intent to appeal, arguing that the court’s decision fails to adequately acknowledge Studio C1’s contributions to the original “Best Baseball” program. They stated they will work to ensure the efforts of all outsourcing partners are fairly evaluated. Studio C1 also affirmed their commitment to fulfilling their promise to fans and are reviewing plans for the remainder of the 2025 season of “Fireworks Baseball.”
JTBC anticipates a prolonged legal battle and announced its intention to pursue further legal action, including claims for damages, through a merits-based lawsuit.
