Broadcast Industry Impacted by Recent State of Emergency in South Korea
On December 3, President Yoon Seok-yeol declared a state of emergency that was lifted just six hours later. However, the repercussions of this brief but intense period are being felt across the broadcast sector. Major television networks have opted to reschedule their programming, prioritizing news coverage in light of recent events.
Network Adjustments to Programming Schedules
Several prominent broadcast networks, including the three major terrestrial stations and various cable channels, have decided to cancel regular shows, replacing them with special news broadcasts to inform viewers about the ongoing situation.
Changes in Drama Airings
For instance, SBS cancelled the highly anticipated 10th episode of its weekend drama The Fiery Priest 2, initially set to air on December 7, and replaced it with a news special. The show’s most recent episode aired on December 6. Similarly, SBS’s music program Inkigayo, scheduled for December 8, will also be shelved as broadcast priorities shift.
Meanwhile, MBC’s drama When The Phone Rings, slated to release episodes 5 and 6 on December 6 and 7, respectively, postponed its airing in favor of news coverage. Episode 5, originally featuring an extended runtime, is now set for December 13.
Impact on Other Dramas and Variety Shows
JTBC’s weekend drama The Tale of Lady Ok is canceled on December 7, with its third episode returning to the lineup the following day. In addition, the variety show Knowing Bros will also not broadcast as planned due to the ongoing news interruptions.
Channel A’s drama Marry You will merge episodes 7 and 8 into a single broadcast on December 8 following the cancellation of episode 7. MBN has similarly halted its variety programs, including Let’s Go and Dongchimi.
YouTube Creators Respond to Programming Changes
The effects of this emergency also extend to online content creators. The YouTube channel Channel Fullmoon, run by PD Na Young-seok, announced on December 6 the postponement of their regular Friday upload, promising to return the following week with enhanced content.
Similarly, the YouTube channel DdeunDdeun, featuring popular personalities Yoo Jae-suk and Hwang Jung-min, delayed its upcoming episode of Punghyanggo, now scheduled for release on December 15. The production team expressed their intention to deliver improved content upon resumption.
Political Context and Future Developments
On the night of December 3, President Yoon made an emergency address from the Yongsan presidential office, formally announcing the state of emergency. The next day, the National Assembly unanimously voted to lift the martial law.
Looking ahead, the National Assembly plans to convene at 5 PM on December 7 to discuss the impeachment motion concerning President Yoon, ahead of the re-vote on the special prosecutor bill related to Kim Gun-hee.
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