Credit: Kingkong by Starship, Gold Medalist, UAA
A brand new standard contract has been established for TV personalities to ensure that they receive their appearance fees even if their filmed portions are edited out. However, if the personality harms the production due to controversies, TV networks and production companies will be able to claim damages.
Previously, incidents such as Yoo Ah In ’s illegal drug use, Kim Soo Hyun’ s personal scandals, and school violence allegations against Song Ha Yoon caused disruptions in production and broadcasting. Under the revised contract, production companies and TV networks can now directly seek compensation for damages in such cases.
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The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced on July 31st that it has issued a revised Standard Contract for Pop Culture Artists’ Broadcast Appearances. This standard contract is a government-recommended template for parties to use during actual contract negotiations.
Credit: MCST
The updated contract strengthens the rights of TV personalities by stipulating that if they have fulfilled their appearance obligations and were filmed under the contract, they must be compensated even if their footage is later edited out. In other words, appearance fees are now tied to the act of filming, not just the footage that makes it to air.
The revised contract also prohibits the practice of a “comprehensive transfer of performance rights,” where producers previously held full ownership of all footage featuring the artist. Under the new rules, TV networks and production companies must obtain prior consent from the artist regarding the media platforms on which the content will be distributed. If new platforms emerge after the contract is signed, a separate agreement must be reached. Additionally, if unused or modified footage is released later, the artist is entitled to further compensation, such as additional appearance fees.
While the obligations of TV networks and production companies have been eased to a degree, the responsibilities of talent agencies have been reinforced. In addition to existing clauses addressing illegal acts such as drug use or gambling, the revised contract now allows TV networks and production companies to seek damages if an artist becomes involved in social controversies, including school violence or scandals related to their private life.
Furthermore, talent agencies with exclusive contracts are now required to report any changes to those agreements. Their role in managing the artist and upholding contractual responsibilities has also been clarified and emphasized.
The revised standard contract can be downloaded from the websites of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Creative Content Agency.
An official from the MCST stated, “This revision is significant in that it aims to reduce real-world disputes between artists and production companies and to promote a culture of mutual respect in contractual relationships.” The official added, “We will continue to monitor how the standard contract is used and pursue further policy measures to improve contract practices.”
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