The recent Jeju Air crash at Muan International Airport, which claimed 179 lives and left two injured, has sent shockwaves through South Korea, prompting significant changes in the broadcasting industry. From award show cancellations to rescheduling popular programs, the media landscape has shifted to reflect the nation’s collective grief.
On December 30, representatives from KBS, MBC, and SBS confirmed ongoing discussions about the status of their year-end award ceremonies. "We have not finalized decisions regarding the ceremonies," they stated in an interview with Dispatch. "Should changes occur, we will provide updates promptly."
MBC, which was scheduled to air its Drama Awards live that evening, opted to cancel the live broadcast. The network released a statement expressing condolences to the victims and their families: "We deeply mourn the loss of lives and stand with the grieving families and the nation during this time." The awards were recorded instead, with further announcements regarding broadcast schedules and winner announcements to follow.
As of now, the status of December 31’s major award shows remains uncertain. SBS’s Entertainment Awards, MBC’s Gayo Daejejeon, and KBS’s Drama Awards face potential delays or cancellations due to the tragedy.
Broadcast schedules for regular programming have also been altered significantly. On December 29, MBC canceled its live broadcast of the 2024 MBC Broadcasting Entertainment Awards and replaced it with a special news report. Programs such as Mystic TV: Surprise, Video Travel, and King of Mask Singer were also pulled from the lineup. Similarly, SBS replaced its lineup—including Animal Farm, Running Man, and My Ugly Duckling—with breaking news coverage.
KBS followed suit, modifying its schedules on both KBS1 and KBS2. Programs like TV Show Authentic Masterpiece and National Singing Contest were replaced with emergency news coverage, while 2 Days & 1 Night and Gag Concert were postponed. Other broadcasters, such as JTBC, delayed shows like Please Take Care of My Refrigerator and interviews with prominent figures, including Hyun Bin and director Woo Min Ho.
The tragic incident occurred on December 29 when Jeju Air Flight 7C2216, arriving from Bangkok, attempted to land at Muan International Airport. The plane collided with the airport’s outer structure, leading to a catastrophic explosion. The government has declared a national mourning period from December 29 to January 4, emphasizing the need for sensitivity during this time.
This unprecedented tragedy has forced broadcasters to balance their responsibilities of informing the public while respecting the nation’s grief. The cancellations and adjustments reflect a broader sentiment that entertainment programming must adapt to the somber national mood.
Sayart / ReaA JUNG, queen7203@gmail.com
Courtesy of MBC
The recent Jeju Air crash at Muan International Airport, which claimed 179 lives and left two injured, has sent shockwaves through South Korea, prompting significant changes in the broadcasting industry. From award show cancellations to rescheduling popular programs, the media landscape has shifted to reflect the nation’s collective grief.
On December 30, representatives from KBS, MBC, and SBS confirmed ongoing discussions about the status of their year-end award ceremonies. "We have not finalized decisions regarding the ceremonies," they stated in an interview with Dispatch. "Should changes occur, we will provide updates promptly."
MBC, which was scheduled to air its Drama Awards live that evening, opted to cancel the live broadcast. The network released a statement expressing condolences to the victims and their families: "We deeply mourn the loss of lives and stand with the grieving families and the nation during this time." The awards were recorded instead, with further announcements regarding broadcast schedules and winner announcements to follow.
As of now, the status of December 31’s major award shows remains uncertain. SBS’s Entertainment Awards, MBC’s Gayo Daejejeon, and KBS’s Drama Awards face potential delays or cancellations due to the tragedy.
Broadcast schedules for regular programming have also been altered significantly. On December 29, MBC canceled its live broadcast of the 2024 MBC Broadcasting Entertainment Awards and replaced it with a special news report. Programs such as Mystic TV: Surprise, Video Travel, and King of Mask Singer were also pulled from the lineup. Similarly, SBS replaced its lineup—including Animal Farm, Running Man, and My Ugly Duckling—with breaking news coverage.
KBS followed suit, modifying its schedules on both KBS1 and KBS2. Programs like TV Show Authentic Masterpiece and National Singing Contest were replaced with emergency news coverage, while 2 Days & 1 Night and Gag Concert were postponed. Other broadcasters, such as JTBC, delayed shows like Please Take Care of My Refrigerator and interviews with prominent figures, including Hyun Bin and director Woo Min Ho.
The tragic incident occurred on December 29 when Jeju Air Flight 7C2216, arriving from Bangkok, attempted to land at Muan International Airport. The plane collided with the airport’s outer structure, leading to a catastrophic explosion. The government has declared a national mourning period from December 29 to January 4, emphasizing the need for sensitivity during this time.
This unprecedented tragedy has forced broadcasters to balance their responsibilities of informing the public while respecting the nation’s grief. The cancellations and adjustments reflect a broader sentiment that entertainment programming must adapt to the somber national mood.
