JTBC, which recently filed for court receivership, has categorically denied media reports suggesting that their World Cup broadcasts could be suspended due to unpaid broadcasting rights fees to FIFA.
In an official statement released on the 24th, JTBC declared, "We will broadcast all remaining matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, currently underway, through the finals without any disruptions."
The network added, "We plan to bring the live excitement of the World Cup to our viewers, covering not only the South Korean national team's matches but also the entire tournament until the very end. We ask that viewers not be misled by incorrect information."
On the 23rd, JNN, a media outlet affiliated with Japan's TBS, sparked controversy by reporting, "It has been confirmed that JTBC has not yet paid a portion of the broadcasting rights fees to FIFA," and suggested that "if the fees are not paid by the deadline, there is a possibility that broadcasts of the tournament matches, which begin on the 29th, could be suspended in South Korea."
JTBC secured exclusive broadcasting rights for the Summer and Winter Olympics from 2026 to 2032, as well as the 2026–2030 World Cup. In April, the network finalized an agreement with KBS for joint coverage of the North and Central America World Cup, which is currently being broadcast.
However, on the 12th, JTBC faced a financial crisis after failing to repay 20.6 billion KRW in securitized borrowings by their maturity date. Consequently, its parent company, JoongAng Holdings, along with Contentree JoongAng, JoongAng P&I, and Megabox JoongAng, filed for rehabilitation procedures. JTBC followed suit by filing for court receivership on the 15th.
Amidst this severe management crisis, rumors of unpaid broadcasting fees had heightened concerns among football fans. JTBC’s latest statement appears to be an effort to quell these concerns by promising normal broadcasting through the final match.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)
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