TV programming cancelled for the weekend in S. Korea

April 18, 2014

In the wake of a national tragedy that has drowned South Korea in sorrow

All major Korean TV networks — KBS, SBS and MBC as well as cable channels tvN, Mnet, OnStyle, XTM, JTBC — will cancel all variety and drama programming this weekend in the wake of a national tragedy that has drowned South Korea in sorrow.

Regular programming will resume next week, Korean media reported.

It is unclear whether weekend dramas will still air. Since Wednesday, broadcast networks have seen regularly scheduled dramas interrupted by breaking news about the sunken ferry boat.

Primetime Wednesday-Thursday dramas SBS’s “Three Days,” MBC’s “Cunning Single Lady” and KBS’s “Golden Cross” were all cancelled following the incident.

All variety programming on the three major networks will not air, including the following: “We Got Married,” “Infinity Challenge,” “Immortal Song 2,” “Entertainment Relay,” “The Human Condition,” “1 Night 2 Days,” “Superman Returns,” “Gag Concert,” “Star King,” “Star Junior Show,” “Challenge 1000 Songs,” “Running Man” and “Roommate.”

Instead, special news programs concerning the ferry incident, documentaries and re-airings of shows with appropriate content will air through the weekend.