MBC will specially schedule the drama "Casino" (director/writer Kang Yoon-sung | produced by Acme Media, BA Entertainment, C-jes Entertainment) series, which has garnered attention on the global OTT platform Disney+, starting in July.
The drama "Casino" is a crime action film depicting the fierce psychological warfare between the legend "Cha Mu-sik," who once dominated the Philippine casino world, and the Korean desk detective "Oh Seung-hoon," who relentlessly pursues him after his downfall. This is the first drama series by director Kang Yoon-sung, known for films such as "The Outlaws" and "Long Live the King," and it captured attention upon release for its high degree of completion and immersion.
In particular, actor Choi Min-sik made his return to drama after 26 years with the role of "Cha Mu-sik," while Son Suk-ku delivered a compelling performance as the opposing detective "Oh Seung-hoon." The intense acting rivalry between the two actors became a hot topic during the airing, leaving a strong impression.
"Casino" has received positive reviews for both artistic quality and popularity. At the time of its release on Disney+, it ranked first in the Korean TV institutional sector, recorded the longest viewing time in Asia, and received an initial IMDb rating of 8.4, becoming a hot topic. It also stood out at major domestic and international award ceremonies, including the Blue Dragon Series Awards for Best Drama and Best Supporting Actor, and the Seoul Drama Awards Golden Bird Prize.
Through this scheduling, MBC will sequentially present all episodes of Season 1 and 2. "Season 1" (total of 8 episodes) is scheduled to air in July, targeting the vacation season, on Fridays and Saturdays at 10 p.m. The following "Season 2" (total of 8 episodes) will be regularly scheduled every Sunday night starting in August. Unlike the seasonal breaks on OTT platforms, terrestrial broadcasting will aim to enhance immersion and viewer convenience through continuous scheduling.
Previously, MBC successfully garnered positive viewer responses with its binge-watch scheduling of the Disney+ original series "Moving" during the Christmas season and its regular Sunday night scheduling starting in January. At that time, the "curation-based strategic scheduling" was regarded as a successful realization of public broadcasting's role in delivering quality content to a wider audience.
An MBC official noted regarding this scheduling, "MBC aims for viewer service centered on content. Following the first collaboration with a global OTT, we have confirmed that there are still many viewers who missed out on mega hit works." They added, "We hope to broaden viewers' content choices through strategic curation that carefully selects proven works." They continued, "Of course, the scheduling of our planned original content, such as dramas, entertainment, and documentaries, will proceed as usual. In the future, we will continuously strengthen the brand's identity and competitiveness to ensure MBC remains a beloved channel for viewers."
Meanwhile, "Casino" will maintain a viewer rating of 19 and above based on the original work. However, in accordance with broadcasting review standards, some expressions will be edited while preserving the core message and quality of the work. MBC will continue to implement a carefully selected curation strategy to ensure access to high-quality content according to individual lifestyles, allowing people to enjoy content in their preferred styles.
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