The Court Upholds Its Decision in Favor of JTBC… Maintains a Provisional Injunction Banning Production and Distribution of ‘Flame Baseball’

Led by PD Jang Si-won, the YouTube baseball variety show ‘Flame Baseball’ has lost in its copyright dispute with the original JTBC program ‘Strongest Baseball,’ effectively shutting down its production and sales. The court reaffirmed its earlier determination that ‘Flame Baseball’ infringed on the intellectual property rights of ‘Strongest Baseball’ and committed acts of unfair competition.

■ The Court: “Flame Baseball Is a Copy of Strongest Baseball”… Appeal Dismissed”

According to legal and broadcasting circles on the 6th, the 60th Civil Division of the Seoul Central District Court dismissed, on the 3rd, Studio C1’s appeal challenging the provisional injunction decision ordering a ban on copyright infringement and on acts of unfair competition.

The panel found that Season 1 of ‘Flame Baseball’ is, in practical terms, a substantial sequel to JTBC’s ‘Strongest Baseball.’ Accordingly, it concluded that the original ruling, which prohibited the production and transmission of video content for the program, was justified. The JTBC side said, “The court recognized that ‘Flame Baseball’ lacks originality and accepted that the achievements of ‘Strongest Baseball’ were used without authorization.”

■ Conflict Between PD Jang Si-won and JTBC Deepens… Legal Back-and-Forth Over the Copyright Holder

This incident began after PD Jang, who had steered Seasons 1 through 3 of ‘Strongest Baseball,’ went independent following a conflict with JTBC. Jang PD established Studio C1 last year and launched the YouTube variety show ‘Flame Baseball,’ recruiting many of the existing ‘Strongest Baseball’ cast.

In response, JTBC filed for a provisional injunction in December of last year, citing copyright infringement, and the court granted it. Both sides are also pursuing a main lawsuit in parallel to determine the actual copyright holder. At the first pleading hearing held in February, Studio C1 argued for the creative contribution of the production team, while JTBC countered by emphasizing the broadcaster’s investment and rights.

■ Announcement of a Push for ‘Flame Baseball’ Season 2… Will There Be a Gocheok Dome Game?

Despite the court’s decision to uphold the provisional injunction, the ‘Flame Baseball’ side shows no signs of slowing down. Previously, Studio C1 officially announced that on the 19th it will hold the first game of Season 2 at the Gocheok Sky Dome against the independent team Yeoncheon Miracle and begin producing Season 2.

However, due to the court’s ruling, video production and distribution are legally prohibited, leaving uncertainty over whether the scheduled games can proceed and whether content can be aired. A source in the broadcasting industry said, “If they proceed with production despite violating the court’s ban order, they may face additional legal responsibilities such as enormous damages.” Attention is focused on how this legal dispute—one that is reshaping the balance between the fandom of ‘Strongest Baseball’ and the baseball variety market—will turn out.