Korean TV productions suspend filming after resurgence of COVID-19 cases

Fortunately, the highly anticipated 'Record of Youth' starring Park Bo Gum is still airing as scheduled.

Esther Lam

Published: 1 September 2020, 1:16 PM

With a resurgence in the number of COVID-19 cases in South Korea, productions for several Korean television shows have been brought to a halt to curb the spread of the virus.

Many Korean celebrities are also undergoing tests and examinations for COVID-19, including Strong Woman Do Bong Soon actor Kim Won-hae, and his co-star, The King: Eternal Monarch actor Heo Dong-won, who have both tested positive.

Here are some of the Korean productions and shooting schedules that have encountered disruptions.

1. Running Man and Master In The House

Well-known variety game show Running Man has been airing since July 2010. PHOTO CREDIT: FACEBOOK/MEE MEE

SBS announced the suspension of popular weekend variety shows Running Man and Master In The House on Aug 24, reported Soompi.

With another wave of COVID-19 hitting South Korea, these shows halted filming to ensure the safety and security of its cast and crew.

Portions of the show that have already been filmed will be aired but future filming dates are still in discussion.

2. Romantic comedy Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol

Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol stars Go Ara, Lee Jae-wook, and Kim Joo-hun. PHOTO CREDIT: FACEBOOK/OPPAMAZING

The upcoming 2020 South Korean television series was set to debut its first episode on Aug 26, but it has been postponed.

Cast member Heo Dong Won had tested positive for COVID-19 on Aug 19. Following after, fellow cast and crew members were tested for COVID-19 and are currently under quarantine.

Production has been suspended which may delay the release of drama episodes.

3. OCN's Missing: The Other Side and tvN's The Flower Of Evil

The thriller drama series, starring Lee Joon Gi and Moon Chae Won, comprises 16 episodes. PHOTO CREDIT: FACEBOOK/JULIE DALE

Last week, drama production company Studio Dragon for Korean channels such as tvN, OCN and KBS announced a halt in production from Aug 24 to Aug 31.

It was also revealed that tvN’s The Flower Of Evil and OCN’s Missing: The Other Side were affected by this pause in production. However, it is unclear if release dates will have to be rescheduled.

The Flower Of Evil is a crime thriller drama where a picture-perfect husband seeks to hide the secrets of his cruel past while his homicide detective wife tracks him down.

OCN’s new mystery-fantasy drama, Missing: The Other Side, released its first episode on Aug 29. The drama revolves around a mysterious village whose inhabitants are the souls of those who went missing when they were alive.

4. Mnet music programme M Countdown

M Countdown is a South Korean music programme that is broadcast by television channel Mnet Media. PHOTO CREDIT: TREASURE MAKER’S DIARY

The weekly live music programme will stop airing until further notice.

M Countdown holds live broadcasts every Thursday at 5pm and is one of the most popular music programmes in South Korea. It features the latest Korean artists and idols performing live on stage.

But don’t worry, not all K-dramas have been affected.

Although press events for Record Of Youth were cancelled, the upcoming romance series starring Park Bo Gum will be premiering on Sep 7 while season two of crime opera Stranger has been airing since Aug 15. They will be released on schedule as the filming has already been completed for both dramas.