How the South Korean Entertainment Industry Wards Off Coronavirus Threat

The South Korean entertainment industry has made some steps to counter the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, which resulted in some of the K-pop acts and performances, such as BTS, to cancel their shows.

However, not only the K-pop concerts and performances have been affected but also the film and TV productions. As of writing, there are a few films and TV dramas that have cancelled press conferences and showcase events, and some of the music and variety programs are being filmed without a live audience. There is also a temporary ban to the travelers from Korea that made one production company to reconsider filming locations. 

Different alternatives are being used by the Korean entertainment industry to promote their shows, like for instance, the producers of some TV dramas have chosen to present press conferences online. Some even cancelled press opportunities, like the Korean Netflix series 'My Holo Love', starring Yoon Hyun-min and Ko Sung-hee. Instead, the cast opted for an online conference, answering questions that the media personnel sent in advance. 

The drama titled 'The Cursed', starring Uhm Ji-won, Jung Ji-so, and Sung Dong-il also postponed their presscon and instead did a live broadcast, featuring the actors and the director.

As stated by the Korean Film Council, the South Korean theater attendance has decreased dramatically during the last few weeks, which led to the several films to pause both promotional events and debuts. Most shows and press conferences were really affected by the outbreak.

The press conference and interviews for the film 'Innocence', which was scheduled last Feb. 24, starring Shin Hye-sun, Bae Jong-ok, and Heo Joon-ho, were all cancelled. The documentary 'The Wandering Chef' by Park Hye-ryeong did not pursue its opening in theaters as scheduled.

The fast spread of the coronavirus disease had caused limited access to filming locations. Actors Hyun Bin and Hwang Jung-min's upcoming film titled 'Negotiation' was supposed to begin their filming in the country of Jordan this March, but the said country decided to ban travelers coming from Korea due to the nation's high number of virus cases. Moreover, the film's production company is thinking about other alternatives, which include choosing another country to shoot the forthcoming movie. 

The popular 'Itaewon Class' drama, headlined by actor Park Seo-joon, promised fans a pop-up bar if the drama achieves 10% viewership, but the production company had to back out from the offer because of the coronavirus threat.

As a reward for achieving successful ratings, the casts of some dramas are given a post-series holiday. This holiday was actually the bonus earned by the cast of the drama 'Dr. Romantic 2', which includes Han Suk-kyu, Ahn Hyo-seop and Lee Sung-kyung. But their holiday trip was also canceled due to virus fears.

As of the moment, the filming of many upcoming TV dramas and movies has not stopped or delayed.