MUAN-GUN, SOUTH KOREA – DECEMBER 29: South Korean soldiers work on the wreckage of a passenger plane … (+)
Korea’s entertainment industry came to a halt on Sunday following a devastating and deadly plane crash at South Korea’s Muan International Airport.
The Boeing 737-800 operated by Jeju Air tragically crashed while landing in the southwest county, killing 179 of the 181 passengers on board. It was South Korea’s deadliest air disaster in nearly three decades. In light of this tragedy, major entertainment companies, television networks and K-pop artists are suspending activities to honor the victims and their families as the country enters a week of mourning.
A nation in mourning
The accident occurred when the plane, en route from Bangkok, overshot the Muan runway, causing a violent explosion. The incident prompted South Korea’s interim president, Choi Sang-mok, to declare a week-long period of national mourning.
South Korea’s major television networks quickly adjusted their programming schedules to prioritize news coverage and respect the somber atmosphere.
Television and radio network MBC has canceled its highly anticipated 2024 MBC Entertainment Awards and postponed the final episode of the popular singing competition. The King of Mask Singer (the show from which FOX created The Masked Singer). Meanwhile, national channel KBS removed its variety shows from its lineup, including Gag concert, Boss in the mirror And 2 days and 1 night—while SBS announced that its music program Inkigayo and long-running hit variety show Running Man would not be broadcast.
K-Pop Industry Takes Pause Amid Deadly Plane Crash
The tragedy reverberated throughout the K-pop industry, with top artists and agencies halting promotional activities.
BTSAgency BIGHIT MUSIC announced the postponement of content celebrating member V’s 29th birthday, originally scheduled for his special day on December 30, while sharing prayers and condolences for those affected by the accident in a statement.
“We pray for the souls of those who died in the plane crash and send our deepest condolences to the bereaved families,” the statement read. “We ask that you understand that we will not be posting content related to V’s birthday planned for today.”
Stray children delayed release from the music video for “As We Are”, a song performed by boy group Seungmin last number 1 album HOP.
Likewise, SEVENTEEN’s splinter group, BSS postponed promotional content for their next single, Telepartyexpressing condolences and promising to announce a revised schedule. Girl group IVE, including new album Empathy IVE should be released in February, suspended their promotional activities on December 29 and 30, despite the release of a new single on January 13. Although not officially announced, the mourning period could delay several upcoming K-pop releases, as was the case when the country was in a period of mourning following the 2022 Halloween crush.
After solo singer AleXa spoke with her fans on social media before her flight took off on December 29, the singer still assured fans of her safety upon landing, even though her previous communications made clear that she was not on the tragic flight. from Bangkok.
"Hey guys, I just landed safely," she wrote. “I didn’t buy WiFi on the flight, so I literally just heard the news. Thank you for worrying about me, but I assure you I’m fine, because it wasn’t my flight. My heart goes out to all the victims and their families. What a horrible accident.
Other artists, including ACE, VIVIZ, EVERGLOW, WEi, ZEROBASEONE and more, followed suit, rescheduling content and live appearances while offering their heartfelt condolences.
An uncertain but unified future for Korea’s end-of-year celebrations
As the country and the entertainment industry grapple with this tragedy, the status of major year-end events remains uncertain.
As of press time, the 2024 MBC Gayo Daejejeon Music Festival, which is expected to feature performances from 32 artists including ATEEZ, ITZY, and NewJeans, is still scheduled for December 31. The network said it was discussing whether or not to cancel the event.
The Korean entertainment industry’s collective pause highlights its solidarity with the nation during this time of mourning. As the country mourns the lives lost in the Muan plane crash, K-pop artists and agencies are prioritizing compassion and respect, demonstrating the industry’s sensitivity to societal tragedies. The pause in activities serves as a somber but important reminder of the interconnectedness of South Korea’s cultural and national identities, with stars and companies withdrawing from programs and benefits to honor the profound loss felt across the country.