Although MBC will air two episodes of "Empress Ki" this week, many regularly scheduled programs on all three major networks will be cancelled. Some cancellations are in effect for the rest of the week because of last week's tragic Sewol ferry disaster.
"Empress Ki," which only has four episodes left until it ends, was broadcast on Monday and is due to also air on Tuesday. Because the Sewol ferry tragedy happened last Wednesday, no episodes of "Empress Ki" or the other two Monday-Tuesday night dramas were missed.
MBC representatives also said that the programs "Shining Romance" and "Mother's Garden" are due to broadcast as scheduled.
Although the station plans to gradually return to its regular schedule, representatives say it will do so with important and timely newsbreaks. As rescue efforts continue, viewers will be eager to hear the latest developments. As time passes, the chances of finding any more survivors in the capsized boat diminish, but the nation is praying for a miracle.
"We will connect to the news immediately if there is any progress in the search and rescue," said an MBC representative.
The two other major networks have also announced scheduling changes, with many cancellations for the coming week. KBS representatives say that all KBS 11 p.m. variety programs due to be shown between April 21 and 25 will be cancelled. This includes the following programs: "Hello Counselor" on Monday, "Our Neighborhood Arts and Physical Education" on Tuesday, "Happy Together Season 3" on Thursday and "Love and War Season 2" on Friday.
Programs that were cancelled this past weekend included the variety shows "Immortal Songs," "Entertainment Weekly," "Happy Sunday" and "Gag Concert." Also cancelled were "We Got Married," "Infinity Challenge," "Section TV Entertainment Relay," "Dad, Where Are You Going?" and "Real Men."
SBS postponed the first episodes of the weekend drama "Good Day" and the variety program "Roommate" to this weekend.
There is no word yet as to whether any of the other major network or cable dramas will be shown this week. The producers of "God's Gift - 14 Days," "Golden Cross," "Three Days" and "Cunning Single Lady" have not yet released a statement as to their broadcasting plans. But so far last week's cancellations have already had an effect on the schedule of upcoming dramas such as "Doctor Stranger," "A New Leaf" and "Big Man."
