The Jindo ferry disaster, which so far has resulted in at least 28 deaths, has prompted four top Hallyu stars to request a postponement in promotional activities schedules for this weekend.
Lee Min Ho and Park Shin Hye were set to attend a three-day Hallyu Star Family Concert in Seoul this weekend but considering the tragedy, the stars asked to postpone the event. Lotte cancelled events for this weekend but insisted that today's event, which was arranged for international fans proceed as planned.
The stars' representatives officially requested a postponement, saying that the entire nation was in a state of grief and that to hold a concert in these circumstances would be inappropriate. The celebrities followed their conscience but Lotte remained firm in their stance. They said that many fans had flown into Korea for the event and would find it difficult to attend a future event if this one was postponed.
Eventually Lotte and the stars reached a compromise. The Friday night concert went on as planned but was transformed into a more solemn occasion, one in which the victims of the disaster were honored and prayers were said for everyone affected by the disaster.
Meanwhile Kim Soo Hyun and Jun Ji Hyun were faced with a similar dilemma concerning an event in China. Together with singers Sung Shi Kyung and Lyn, who contributed to the OST for the hit "You Who Came From The Stars," the celebrities were due to appear at a promotional event for Samsung Electronics today. Kim Soo Hyun and Jun Ji Hyun recently signed a $2.5 million endorsement deal to promote the company's products in China. But given the recent tragic events they asked the event organizers to cancel the event, which was named a "You Who Came From The Stars" concert.
Due to the ferry tragedy, broadcasters in Korea have cancelled drama airings, variety shows and related promotional events through the weekend. The Chinese concert was not cancelled. Sung Shi Kyung and Lyn arrived in China Thursday to rehearse for the concert. The actors and singers had to attend or they would be held in violation of their contracts.
