Although two of the major broadcasters in Korea scheduled dramas for Thursday night, hoping to catch up on Wednesday night's missed programming, they ultimately decided against it. The networks cancelled the night's dramas and instead expanded news coverage of the Jindo ferry disaster.

Shows that focused on singing and comedy seemed especially inappropriate given that the terrible events have plunged the nation into mourning.

The disaster took place when a ferry capsized on its way to Jeju Island. Most of the passengers were students on a field trip.

According to the South Korean Coast Guard, so far 179 of the ferry's passengers have been rescued and 25 bodies have been recovered. Another 271 passengers are still missing and, despite ongoing rescue efforts, time may be running out for them.

Because of the tragic implications of the ferry disaster the major networks first cancelled Wednesday night viewings of "Three Days," "Cunning Single Lady" and "Golden Cross."

As of Thursday morning, MBC planned to air the final two episodes of "Cunning Single Lady" back to back that night but closer to airing time the network reversed its decision.

SBS also planned to air two episodes of "Three Days" back to back but ultimately decided against it. No variety shows were shown at all.

Many stations also cancelled programming for Friday and some altered schedules through the weekend.

"This is no time to sing or laugh," an official at one of the networks told the Korea Herald. "It is sort of an industry rule not to air entertainment programs during such national tragedies."

And many celebrities agreed that it seemed an appropriate decision.

Among the music programs which were cancelled are KBS 2TV's "Music Bank" which was set to air on Friday, MBC's "Show! Music Core" which usually airs on Saturday and SBS' "Music Trend" which is shown on Sunday.
The cable channel Mnet also opted not to show "M Countdown" on Thursday and postponed today's premiere of "xoxo EXO," a reality show with the group EXO.

The popular music show "Inkigayo" was also cancelled.

tvN cancelled air dates of the sitcom "Potato Star" and is also expected to cancel this week's episodes of "Comedy Big League" and "SNL Korea."

SBS replaced the shows "Oh My Baby" and "One Night of TV Entertainment" with a two-hour news program.

MBC's "Real Story Noon," "Radio Star" and "Showtime: Burning the B2ST" were also shelved.

There is no word when regular program scheduling will resume.