"A Tense K-Drama... Even Foreign Media Say the Vote Counting Broadcast Is Fun"

Introduction of Reactions to Vote Counting Broadcasts Using Pop Culture and AI
Concerns Over Side Effects Like 'Diluting Election Issues'

Foreign media are evaluating the general election vote-counting broadcasts prepared by Korean broadcasters as fresh and interesting attempts.

SBS's sample broadcast of the 22nd general election vote counting, parodying 'Mission Impossible.'
[Photo by SBS]

On the 10th, Yonhap News reported that "the British BBC broadcast highlighted the Korean general election with an article titled 'Is this a K-drama? No. It is the night of the Korean election'." BBC stated that major Korean broadcasters are planning to present entertaining programs utilizing popular culture, artificial intelligence (AI), and graphics in their general election vote-counting broadcasts.

BBC introduced that SBS plans to showcase scenes parodying the drama "Stairway to Heaven," which first aired in 2003 and gained great popularity, as well as scenes imitating the Tom Cruise-starring movie "Mission: Impossible," describing it as the result of a year-long preparation.

In the case of SBS, which had the highest viewership ratings among 20-49-year-olds during the 2022 presidential election, about 60 to 70 people prepared the election in advance for this general election vote-counting broadcast, and approximately 200 people are involved on election day. For the production of real-time vote-counting information graphics, reporters, writers, and graphic designers collaborate closely. A broadcast planner even commented that it feels like preparing for the Olympics, the world's largest sporting event.

SBS's 22nd general election vote counting broadcast sample parodying 'Mission Impossible.' [SBS News Capture]

Additionally, BBC focused on KBS preparing a segment in the vote-counting broadcast where AI-generated avatars of candidates engage in a rap battle. The candidates' avatars plan to showcase singing and dancing with songs that have rewritten lyrics based on their campaign pledges.

Thanks to memes (internet viral content) and computer graphics, the authoritarian image of politicians has become more approachable, which can lead to increased interest in politics, receiving positive responses from younger audiences.

Meanwhile, the report also highlighted the pros and cons surrounding the broadcasters' attempts. While providing interesting visuals to avoid boredom and capturing the attention of young voters is seen positively, there are reactions that not all voters are satisfied with the broadcasters' innovative vote-counting broadcasts, as older generations find them noisy and distracting.

MBC presents RC car racing that races back and forth at lightning speed. [MBC News Capture]

There were also voices expressing concerns about side effects. Although vote-counting broadcasts using AI and graphics can increase viewership ratings, there is a concern that the importance of election issues such as economic problems, aging population, and rising living costs may be overlooked.

Meanwhile, the vote-counting broadcasts can be viewed on each broadcasting station from 4 p.m., when the outline of the election results begins to take shape.

After the election closes at 6 p.m. that day, vote counting for each electoral district will begin at 7 p.m. At 8 p.m., the allocation of proportional representation seats will be announced, followed by the confirmation of major district winners at 9 p.m., and nationwide district winners at 10 p.m.