SCREEN QUOTA SYSTEM TURNS OUT TO BE PANDORA'S BOX

Well, they certainly should have left that one alone. Under pressure from the MPA, Korea just cut its protective screen quota system in half, infuriating the local film industry. But before they can roll around on the floor giggling, the MPA finds that they've actually made things worse for themselves. In a sop to the local film industry, Korea has unveiled a plan to charge a 5% tax on every film ticket sold starting in 2007 (the MPA had previously protested a 10 cent tax on movie tickets in Mexico).

So instead of continuing a screen quota system that wasn't really hurting anyone (most Korean cinemas at this point show Korean movies for at least the quota-mandated 106 days/year if not more) the MPA has encouraged Korea to put a tax on movie tickets that'll effect everyone for years to come.

You can read more on this issue in a Variety article by Darcy Paquet, or read Darcy's blog entry about this issue where the sound of him shaking his head in bafflement and frustration can be heard across the Pacific.