'Golddaenyeo' Editing Manipulation Controversy... Viewers Turning Away Due to Lack of Authenticity in Broadcast

Controversy Over Editing of Soccer Variety Show 'Golddaenyeo' Match Process Sparks Backlash
Production Team Apologizes, "Final Score Is the Same, But Some Manipulation"
Expert Says "Result Ignores the Authenticity Viewers Demand"

A scene suspected of editing manipulation. The score displayed in the broadcast subtitle (4:3) differs from the score shown on the scoreboard (4:0). / Photo by Online Community

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] Criticism is mounting against SBS variety show "Gol Ttaerineun Geunyeodeul" (literally "The Girls Who Are Crazy About Soccer"), which has sparked controversy over 'editing manipulation.' The show, which gained great popularity by bringing together female celebrities from various fields to compete and sometimes unite through the sport of soccer, has left viewers not just disappointed but angry upon discovering that the match sequences were altered through editing.

Experts pointed out that this was the result of the production team failing to understand the authenticity that viewers demand from sports or reality variety shows.

The editing manipulation controversy arose from the episode aired on the 22nd. That day featured a match between FC Gucheokjangsin and FC Wonder Woman, with the final score being 6-3 in favor of FC Gucheokjangsin. The broadcast showed an intense game between the two teams. In the first half, FC Gucheokjangsin quickly scored 3 goals and took the lead.

As the second half began, FC Wonder Woman launched a counterattack. They scored 2 goals, and the match saw a close contest with scores of 3-2, 4-2, and 4-3 before FC Gucheokjangsin added 2 more goals to finish at 6-3.

However, contrary to the '4-3' subtitle shown later in the broadcast, a scoreboard displaying '4-0' was spotted, raising suspicions of manipulation. Viewers cited additional evidence such as the positions of cast members sitting in the stands at the moments goals were scored and the number of water bottles stacked on the bench, all of which did not match the chronological order. In reality, FC Gucheokjangsin dominated the match by scoring 5 goals in the first half alone, but the editing made it appear as if the two teams were engaged in a tight contest, lending weight to claims of manipulation.

SBS Variety Show 'Gol Ttaerineun Geunyeodeul'./Photo by SBS

The suspicions raised by viewers were true. On the 24th, the production team issued an official statement apologizing sincerely for causing confusion by partially reversing the editing order during the broadcast and acknowledged that there was some editing of the players' scoring sequence.

The production team stated, "Although the match result and final score were consistent with the broadcast content, in some episodes, the editing order was broadcast differently from the actual chronological order. This was a result of the production team's complacency. We have come to realize that the authenticity of sports is a much more important value than pursuing entertainment in variety shows. We will pay special attention to editing to ensure that such damage does not occur again," and apologized.

However, despite the production team's apology, viewers' anger grew stronger. They criticized that the editing manipulation ignored the flow of the sports match itself, where the process is important, as well as the players' efforts, and deceived the viewers. One netizen expressed disappointment, saying, "No matter how much it is a variety show and for fun, this is something that should never happen in sports," and added, "The production team's claim that 'the final score is correct' sounds like an excuse that since the result is the same, it's not a big mistake."

The editing manipulation controversy also affected the cast members who appeared on the show. Since the broadcast featured announcer Bae Seongjae, who narrated the match according to the edited flow, and former national soccer team player Kim Byungji, who served as the coach and has professionally worked in the soccer field, the criticism was even stronger.

Announcer Bae explained that the commentary was recorded post-production and that he did not know his voice would be used in the manipulation. On the 24th, during an Instagram live broadcast, he said, "As far as I remember, the early score was 4-0 and it never became 4-3. But my voice was used to say 4-3. That comment is true," he explained.

He continued, "Over the past year of commentating, when writers or junior producers asked me to read lines during timeouts, I read them mechanically without knowing which match it was. Reading mechanically without thinking was a painful mistake," and added, "It is true that the match ended 6-3. The result was never changed. It is shocking that something like this happened in my life. I have nothing more to say. I am ashamed," showing tears.

Announcer Bae Sung-jae is explaining regarding the editing manipulation controversy of SBS entertainment program 'Gol Ttaerineun Geunyeodeul'./Photo by Announcer Bae's Instagram

In response, the production team issued a second official statement, saying, "(The editing manipulation issue) occurred during the editing process by the directing team," and "All responsibility lies with the production team, so we earnestly ask that excessive criticism and speculation toward the cast members who worked hard be restrained." However, criticism remains that the program, which claimed to embody sportsmanship and reality variety, violated its purpose and undermined trust in variety shows and broadcasting overall.

Experts pointed out that this was the result of the production team failing to understand the authenticity that viewers demand from sports or reality variety shows. Cultural critic Jung Deokhyun said, "One of the biggest reasons the public likes and is interested in sports or observational variety shows is authenticity," and criticized, "Especially in sports, which are described as 'unscripted dramas,' attempting manipulation through editing is unacceptable and inevitably shocking to viewers."

He continued, "The production team's official apology includes a promise to prevent recurrence, but there is a part that seems to imply that this level of editing is possible for entertainment," and added, "The vague explanation has led to more criticism being directed at the cast members. It is suspicious whether the production team understands the authenticity that the public demands."