"Hi Bye, Mama," "M Countdown" and "Bob Bless You" on Halt Due to Coronavirus
South Korea made new improvements in handling its fight against the coronavirus pandemic. The government made few restrictions on its implementation.
This week, tvN's "Hi Bye, Mama" continued to soar in their ratings. On March 28, it reached 5.324 percent for episode 11 and on March 29 is 5.227 percent for episode 12. Almost near to its finale, Kim Tae Hee meets a new exorcist. She only has less than 20 days to complete her stay in her borrowed life.
According to the management source:
"We have decided to take a week-long break from broadcast on April 4 and 5. This is due to inevitable changes in the schedule and to ensure a more stable production process. The special broadcast will air on those days."
Earlier this March, the show encountered challenges from one of their staff members. It was reported that the crew went to self-quarantine. He got himself tested for a coronavirus virus infection. A few days later, the staff was safe and his result was negative. The show continued to air for the week.
On the other show, Mnet (M Countdown) released a statement regarding one of its news outlets, Xsportnews.
"To abide by the government's social distancing guidelines. We will not have a live broadcast this upcoming week. We have not yet decided next week's live broadcast on April 9. We will decide after observing how the COVID-19 situation progresses."
The show will still run recorded videos of previous episodes, which highlight it's best talents for this week.
"Bob Bless You," a food-oriented show on Olive TV, will also stop airing this week. CJ Entertainment's management announced one of the producers of the said show arrived in Korea after spending a few days in New York. The producer who arrived on March 18 was reported to have felt a few indications of body symptoms of the said illness. The producer then went to take a test and he tested positive of COVID-19.
However, before the test results come out, the producer visited the CJ ENM building and attended the shows he handled. Last weekend, the building stopped the employees from coming to work and carefully sanitized the whole area.
Meanwhile, anyone who comes in direct contact with the said producer is advised to undergo self-quarantine. The main stars of the show are all subject to take the test for their safety.
Due to what happened, the broadcasting industry is worried about the virus spreading from one show to another. Most of the staff members and the cast usually work on various shows in the building, although the network reassured that they will monitor everyone for any transmissions will happen.
"All staff and cast of the show are going to be tested. Some were tested yesterday and are waiting for the results. Some will go take the test today."
