Delayed Film Productions Due to COVID-19 Ruin Top Korean Actors' Schedules

Even the South Korean film industry has been affected by the coronavirus pandemic for months. Due to this, many upcoming projects of top actors have significantly been adjusted and production and release schedules have been delayed. More than fifty domestic and foreign films that were scheduled for release in the first quarter of this year are being put on hold or canceled since the number of COVID-19 cases started to rise rapidly in mid-February.

The recorded number of daily moviegoers dropped to a low record of 15,000 this week compared to the 320,000 admissions on weekdays last January and 200,000 in February.

Almost all of the South Korean filmmakers and studios have decided to postpone their shooting plans as well as their overseas schedules, and the worldwide travel bans were implemented. As a result, the cast members were forced to do a rescheduling for upcoming movies and dramas.

For instance, Lee Byung-hun is considered one of the most acclaimed actors in the South Korean entertainment industry. Being one of the most popular actors, it is given that he has a tight schedule this year. He has been positioned to star in films and TV dramas.

Lee Byung-hun was cast for a lead role in the disaster action movie titled "Emergency Declaration" alongside actors Song Kang-ho and Jeon Do-yeon. This film is helmed by director Han Jae-rim. It is reported that the all-star cast film is in pre-production. However, its shooting has been postponed for about a month.

The actor is also scheduled to have an upcoming TV drama titled "Here," penned by star screenwriter Noh Hee-kyung, which will most likely also be delayed since it is expected to be released this year. The drama, set to air on cable channel JTBC. This will mark as Lee's return to the small screen since his last drama "Mr. Sunshine" in 2018.

Actor Hwang Jung-min is also one of the highest-earning actors in South Korea, having many box office hits with films like "Ode to My Father" in 2014. Hwang Jung-min was slated to appear in the movie "Negotiations," together with Hyun Bin and also a movie titled "Kidnapping," alongside Ha Jung-woo before continuing with dramas, including "Suriname" and "Hush" in the latter half of the year.

Unfortunately, the producers of "Negotiations" decided to put off the film's overseas schedule in Jordan and just go on shooting in South Korea instead. Moreover, the filming of "Kidnapping" has also been put on hold without definite plans. Not unless the production of these films finishes as scheduled within the first half of the year, his drama appearances and schedules may also be greatly affected.

Lastly, prestigious actor Song Joong Ki is also in a state of a dilemma over his next project. The actor came back to South Korea from Colombia in late March after they wrapped up their filming of the movie "Bogota" earlier than scheduled due to the spread of the coronavirus in the South American region. They delayed the schedule of the movie release, which will much likely have an impact on his decision on whether to take on the biographical movie "The Season of Us."