IOC slams Korean TV for ‘stealing’ ceremony

Beijing: The International Olympic Committee on Thursday slammed a South Korean TV station for "stealing" footage of the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony, after it broadcast footage of a rehearsal.

The film crew from private station SBS sneaked in and filmed a full dress rehearsal this week that was broadcast in South Korea on Tuesday and then posted on the Internet.

"I think it is disappointing that someone comes in there and literally steals one of the most exciting moments of the Games," said Kevan Gosper, an IOC executive board member from Australia. "This is a great surprise and I have not heard of this happening before."

The Beijing Olympic organising committee said that the filming was unauthorised and that it had launched an investigation.

"We are disappointed and frustrated with the broadcast by SBS," said spokesman Sun Weide. "This matter is still under investigation."

Tight security has surrounded the rehearsals for the ceremony at the 90,000-seat National Stadium, where the Olympic opening ceremony will take place on August 8.

The 50-minute show has been one of China’s most closely guarded secrets. — AFP