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Entertainment companies, including Netflix, have suspended production of TV series and films in South Korea, as coronavirus cases in the country surge again.
Local enterprises, such as CJ ENM, JTBC, as well as broadcasters SBS, have all announced to reschedule their shooting plans for variety shows, television series and films, which might in turn affect broadcast timings. The shows affected by the rescheduling include “Running Man” and “Master in the House” by SBS, “Private Life” and “Run On” by JTBC, “Flower of Evil” by tvN and “Missing: The Other Side” by OCN.
The building of SBS broadcaster, in Seoul, South Korea. /CFP
CJ ENM said in an announcement that it has already negotiated with its production subsidiary company Studio Dragon, and decided to stop filming tvN and OCN’s dramas from August 24 to 31, out of concern for the safety of cast and crew.
According to Variety, Music channel Mnet’s weekly live show “M Countdown” will be suspended as well.
Meanwhile, Netflix, which has been cooperating with South Korean entertainment companies in productions, confirmed that all its shows in South Korea have been suspended for now.
“Complying with the health guidelines of the government and for the safety of our casts and crews, we have decided to pause all production schedules for now,” said Netflix in a statement.
Residents line up for testing in South Korea. /CFP
South Korea has seen a new wave of COVID-19 outbreak in capital city Seoul since August. Daily confirmed cases have surpassed 100 since August 13, and there have been more than 300 new cases for at least three days in a row.
Several South Korean actors were tested positive for the disease before productions were halted, including Seo Song-jong, Kim Won-hae and Heo Dong-won. KBS2’s show “Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol,” a show by KBS2, starring Heo before he was tested positive, also faces a delay.
