TV rights to `JSA¡¯ sell for 1.2 billion won

In a tense competition with other TV networks, SBS purchased the right to broadcast "Joint Security Area (JSA)¡¯¡¯ for 1.2 billion won.

CJ Entertainment, which distributed the blockbuster hit, said Wednesday that it signed a 3.1 billion won agreement that gives SBS the right to air "JSA,¡¯¡¯ the Hollywood blockbuster "Gladiator¡¯¡¯ and another popular Korean movie called "The Island.¡¯¡¯

The TV rights to "JSA" were originally priced at 1 billion won but they were sold to SBS for 1.2 billion won, almost double the 660 million won KBS won paid for the right to air the Korean megahit "Swiri¡¯¡¯ in 1999.

The price was the highest ever paid for the TV rights to a local or foreign film.

The sale of the cable TV broadcast rights is expected to fetch about 100 million won. As a result, total profits from the sale of TV broadcast rights to "JSA¡¯¡¯ are expected to reach 1.3 billion won.

CJ Entertainment will also handle videotape sales and distribution. The video version of the film will be released on Feb. 16.