Amid the ongoing political unrest in South Korea, several television networks have announced adjustments to their drama and variety show schedules to accommodate extended news coverage.
Variety Shows Affected
MBC has canceled the airing of its popular variety shows this week. These include:
- “Music Core”
- “Home Alone” (also known as “I Live Alone”)
- “How Do You Play?” (also known as Hangout with Yoo”)
- “The Manager”
The network will extend “News Desk” broadcasts and air special reports instead.
Similarly, JTBC has confirmed that “Knowing Bros” (also titled “Ask Us Anything”) will not air this week.
SBS has also adjusted its variety lineup. Its flagship music show, “Inkigayo,” scheduled for December 8, has been canceled.
Drama Broadcast Changes
The upheaval has also impacted K-drama schedules:
MBC
The 5th and 6th episodes of “When the Phone Rings”—originally slated for December 6 and 7—have been postponed.
Episode 5 will now air on December 13.
SBS
“The Fiery Priest 2” Episode 9 will air as planned on December 6.
Episode 10, scheduled for December 7, has been delayed due to special broadcasts.
JTBC
“The Tale of Lady Ok” will skip its original December 7 schedule.
The 3rd episode will now air on December 8 at 10:30 p.m. KST.
Channel A
“Marry YOU” will skip its December 7 broadcast.
Episodes 7 and 8 will air back-to-back on December 8 at 7:50 p.m. KST.
Political Context
The sudden scheduling changes reflect the aftermath of dramatic political events in South Korea.
- On December 3, President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law during an emergency address.
- Just two hours later, the National Assembly voted to revoke the martial law declaration.
- By early morning on December 4, President Yoon announced its termination.
However, political tensions remain high. Opposition parties have intensified efforts to impeach the president, with an impeachment vote scheduled for December 7.
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