MBC to Broadcast Disney Series ‘Casino’ Amid Internal Controversy

In a strategic shift, South Korea’s MBC has announced it will begin airing the hit Disney series Casino, originally a Disney+ exclusive. This move marks a significant departure from MBC’s usual programming as the network struggles with a sharp decline in drama ratings and seeks to reclaim its competitive edge in the broadcasting market.

MBC Brings Casino to Terrestrial TV

Starting this July, MBC will air both seasons of Casino, with season one scheduled for Friday and Saturday nights, and season two following in August on Sunday afternoons. The series, praised for its gripping narrative and A-list cast, is part of MBC’s broader initiative to offer curated, high-quality content to its terrestrial audience. The network aims to attract viewers who may have missed the series on its original streaming platform.

MBC officials emphasized that the decision reflects a focus on global collaboration and content excellence. By working with top OTT platforms like Disney+, MBC plans to diversify its lineup and appeal to wider audiences. The broadcast of a high-profile Disney series like Casino is seen as a calculated effort to revitalize viewership without sacrificing storytelling standards.

Controversy Within the Drama Department

Despite the promising outlook, internal backlash has emerged. More than 50 producers and staff members from MBC’s drama department have publicly criticized the decision, calling it a potential “last resort” strategy. The dissent stems from fears that the network is leaning too heavily on external content to compensate for the failure of its own shows like Bunnies and Brothers and Director Maeng’s Trolls, both of which are currently struggling with near-zero viewership ratings.

The disgruntled employees argue that MBC is jeopardizing its creative identity by turning into a mere “Disney+ rerun channel.” They believe this shift might delay the development of original content and reduce opportunities for internal production teams. The criticism also hints at concerns that the management may be using external content as a budget-padding mechanism instead of investing in new in-house dramas.

Balancing Global Content with Brand Identity

While the Disney series Casino might temporarily draw attention, MBC faces a deeper challenge: how to maintain its relevance without diluting its brand. The network assures fans that it remains committed to developing original content across genres. The airing of Casino, they claim, is meant to supplement—not replace—ongoing production efforts.

Still, the coming months will be pivotal. MBC must demonstrate that it can balance global partnerships with the nurturing of homegrown creativity. Whether the Casino experiment results in higher ratings or further identity confusion remains to be seen. What’s clear is that the use of Disney+ content represents a major turning point in MBC’s programming strategy—and possibly, its future direction in the Korean media landscape. For more news related to Korean entertainment industry, do check out the link below.