JTBC and Studio C1 are embroiled in disputes over the future of the hit baseball entertainment program, 'Strongest Baseball.' On March 11, 2025, JTBC officially announced its decision not to produce the new season of the show with Studio C1 due to severe breaches of mutual trust. The announcement raised questions about the partnership's future.
According to JTBC, the breakdown resulted from allegations of Studio C1 excessively inflATING production costs over multiple seasons. The broadcasting network claimed C1 requested production costs ranging from tens to hundreds of millions of won, accusing the studio of charging for two episodes when it divided one game for filming.
JTBC explained, We have lost faith in C1. The production costs for the three seasons of 'Strongest Baseball' were estimated to be inflated, with C1 not disclosing pertinent financial details justifying their expenses. To prevent unnecessary suffering to innocent participants, staff, and viewers, we had to announce the cancellation of the tryouts for the new season.
The struggle between the two parties became all too visible earlier this year. On February 10, JTBC informed C1 of personnel changes and signaled its intention to part ways. Despite the brewing tensions, Jang Si-won, PD of 'Strongest Baseball' and head of Studio C1, claimed via social media on the same day, The stove league is progressing smoothly. The tryouts scheduled for March will continue as planned, and I will do my utmost to keep my promise to the viewers and fans.
This conflict escalated when both sides issued contradictory statements. On February 25, JTBC announced through its official Instagram account the cancellation of the tryouts, claiming it was due to preparations for the new season. Yet, Jang Si-won undermined this announcement by posting pictures of the tryouts, asserting they were successfully completed.
Jang Si-won responded sharply to JTBC's allegations, asserting, This statement is distorting the facts and is defaming both C1 and myself. He addressed the financial disagreements by explaining, The production costs for 'Strongest Baseball' were negotiated and agreed upon yearly, and the accusations of excessive requests should not exist under the structure of our contract. He argued against JTBC's financial practices, insisting there has been no distribution of profits related to the show for the past two years.
This conflict raises concerns for the dedicated fanbase of 'Strongest Baseball,' which has established itself as popular since its debut back in June 2022. The attempts to resolve the discord between the broadcaster and the production company appear to be at a standstill. Jang Si-won firmly believes his studio maintains the right to operate independently, stating, C1 has all rights and will not be disrupted by external pressures.
The stakes are exceptionally high for the future of the show and the financial ramifications for both parties involved. With the cancellation of the tryout, the future of the fourth season of 'Strongest Baseball' hangs in the balance, putting pressure on both JTBC and C1 to arrive at a resolution.
Despite the back-and-forth, the impact on the viewers remains significant, as many anticipate the show's return. The question now is whether JTBC and C1 can resolve their issues without affecting the loyal audience eagerly waiting to cheer for their virtual baseball team, the 'Strongest Monsters' vs. the formidable league teams.
The outcome of this dispute could set precedents for future programming collaborations between production studios and broadcasting corporations. Both sides have argued their points vigorously, but what remains pivotal is the promise of quality content for viewers. The fate of 'Strongest Baseball' and its engaging competitive spirit counts on both JTBC and C1 resolving their differences.