A musical producer was given a suspended jail sentence Wednesday for copying a musical without prior authorization.

The Seoul Central District Court sentenced the director, identified as Moon, 33, to a suspended jail term of six months.

According to court officials, Mun, who participated in the production of the original, "Ballerina in Love with a B-Boy," went on to stage a musical, sometimes with the same title, and at other times with a different title but similar plot. This incurred losses to the original producer.

"The court decided on the penalty, considering the accused had made contributions to the original production," the court stated in its ruling. The original has been a hit since it was first put on stage at a theater near Hongik University in 2005 and Moon was responsible for choreography. Moon was sued the following year when he fell out with the bankrollers.

foolsdie@koreatimes.co.kr