(OSEN)

The KBS drama “The Producers” is showing all the signs of becoming another hit for actor Kim Soo-hyun, but entertainment industry officials are voicing doubt about the reality of the series.

According to news reports citing multiple entertainment industry officials, the drama’s depiction of KBS producers as the weaker party in dealing with celebrities is highly unrealistic.

In recent episodes, characters played actor Cha Tae-hyun and actress Gong Hyo-jin were seen conducting difficult negotiations with celebrities appearing on their programs.

Local entertainment industry officials, however, told the local media that the producers of major broadcasters have the upper hand unless they are dealing with the biggest names in the industry.

“Even the major agencies do not have the upper hand. There are top stars, but as there are newcomers, (the agencies) cannot be the ‘gab,’” an official with a local management agency was quoted as saying by Yonhap News Agency.

The tern “gab” refers to the party with the more advantageous position in local business dealings. Employers are also referred to as “gab” in contracts with their employees.

Singer-actress IU’s character “Cindy” is also raising questions among the viewers.

The character “Cindy” is depicted as a spoilt and rude top star, while IU is said to have the opposite personality, prompting IU’s agency to emphasize that what is shown in the drama is strictly acting.

In addition, the scene where “Cindy” argues with Gong’s character argues about her stage outfit is also said to be unrealistic as singers’ agencies deal with the producers rather than the singers themselves.

“The Producers” is also drawing criticism for exposing real programs carried by KBS.

While the drama uses the real names of actual programs to add reality, the repeated exposure of ongoing KBS programs are seen by some as blatant publicity.

By Choi Hee-suk (cheesuk@heraldcorp.com)