Shortly after the Sewol ferry incident last week, the Korean entertainment industry scaled back on programming, promotions and productions. Although many television networks have since resumed close to normal broadcasting schedules, the tragedy continues to have an effect on the nation's film industry. So far the debut of at least three summer films may be delayed.
Events have already been cancelled at the upcoming Jeonju International Film Festival.
Release dates for three major films are being reconsidered because of the sensitive nature of their subject matter. The films are "Roaring Currents," starring Choi Min Sik and Ryu Seung Ryung, "Pirates," starring Kim Nam Gil and Son Ye Jin and "Sea Fog," starring Park Yoochun and Kim Yun Suk.
"Roaring Currents, which depicts a 16th century sea battle between Korea and Japan was due to be released July 30. "Pirates," which has been called the Korean "Pirates of the Caribbean," was due to be released in August. "Sea Fog," which tells the story of Chinese immigrants smuggled on a Korean boat, was also due for a summer release.
As all of these films involve ocean-going vessels and loss of life, producers worry that the subject matter may be too sensitive for a nation still in mourning. "Roaring Currents" and "Sea Fog" also contain scenes in which the crew disobeys the ship's captain. Given the scope of the recent tragedy many still question the behavior of the Sewol As ferry's crew and captain during evacuation procedures.
According to Im Seong Gyu at Lotte Entertainment, the company is considering all possibilities.
"We're being very cautious but have not yet come up with a solution. This may mean the release dates cannot be postponed."
The 15th Jeonju International Film Festival will still proceed as scheduled but the event organizers have canceled several of the flashier events.
"To express our sympathy and condolences to the victims of this tragedy and their families, we will scale down the film festival," said a film festival spokesperson.
Some of the events were organized a year ago but the festival organizers felt it would not be appropriate to proceed with them as if nothing had happened. The festival takes place from May 1 to 10. The opening ceremony, which was scheduled for May 1, and a red carpet event planned for May 7 were cancelled. So were receptions that followed the opening and award ceremonies. Street performances were also canceled.
