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[WSJ] Shanghai Film Fest, Fearing MERS, Tells Koreans: Please Don’t Come

June 11, 2015

Nicole Kidman, left, shakes hands of fans as she attends the opening ceremony of the 17th Shanghai International Film Festival in Shanghai, China. South Korean participants were told not to come to the 2015 event due to concerns over the MERS virus. (AP Photo)

[WALL STREET JOURNAL]

Shanghai is holding its 18th annual international film festival beginning on Saturday and has invited movie luminaries from around the world to attend.

But for those coming from South Korea, organizers have suggested they might consider other plans.

The Shanghai International Film Festival’s organizing committee sent an email to South Korean attendees on Wednesday, suggesting that they cancel their trips following an outbreak of Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome there.

“As a guest of SIFF, we consider your health and hope you are taking extra protections and maintaining well-being,” said the email, which was reviewed by China Real Time. “In consideration of the health of all of our guests, our festival organizing committee has also took some protective measures. We have canceled some relevant activities. Furthermore, we seriously suggest you consider canceling your upcoming trip to Shanghai. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.”

In closing, it said: “We believe we will reunite in Shanghai very soon.”

A press officer with the committee confirmed it sent the email, adding that it isn’t clear how many Korean companies will respond and whether the committee will take any further steps. It also wasn’t clear what activities were canceled.

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