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K-pop on hold in wake of national tragedy

April 17, 2014

By Kim Ji-soo

EXO has postponed their schedules.

K-pop stars have decided to delay new album releases or cancel promotional events in the wake of the sinking of the ferry Seowol.

EXO postponed a group interview planned for Thursday, and their appearance on KBS’s “Music Bank” scheduled for today was cancelled.

Major music programs usually aired on the weekend ― “Music Bank,” MBC’s “Show Music Core,” SBS’s “Inkigayo” and CJ E&M’s “M! Countdown” ― have been put on hold.

Singer Junggigo delayed the release of his new single originally planned for Thursday.

Another K-pop group, Block B, which was supposed to release its new single “Jackpot” Wednesday, also postponed the date. Singer Lena Park also put back the release of her new album, for which she was to introduce the single “Synchrofusion” today. Singer G.NA said she will also delay the April 21 release of her new album.

The girl group A-Pink cancelled a fan meeting slated for Saturday.

Korean film sector also joined in. The makers of the movie “The Fatal Encounter” starring actor Hyun Bin cancelled a Wednesday event, and promotional activities for the film “Obsessed,” the animation film “Rio2” and “The Target” were also halted.

Actor Kim Soo-hyun is another star putting off activities.

Actors Jo In-sung, Kim Soo-hyun and Jun Ji-hyun also put off promotional activities.

And as Thursday proceeded, more cancellations of press and other promotional events followed in the entertainment sector.

Major networks cancelled their prime time drama and entertainment programs on Wednesday to air special reports on the ferry accident. As they continued special coverage Thursday, anchors were seen wearing black to express condolences.

While few dramas will return to the airwaves, the comedy and entertainment shows are all but expected to be pulled this week. The cable television channel CJ E&M said Wednesday that it will not air “SNL Korea” and “Comedy Big League.” Network comedy programs are also expected to be pulled from the air this week.