President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law on December 3 has caused significant disruptions in the broadcast industry. Following the announcement, various networks scrambled to review their schedules for December 4, resulting in the cancellation of several entertainment programs.
On December 4, MBC confirmed, "Tonight's broadcast of 'Radio Star' at 10:30 PM will be replaced with an MBC News Special. We ask for viewers' understanding." Additionally, the network announced the cancellation of 'Brewer Lee', originally slated to air at 9:00 PM. These slots have been replaced with a special edition of MBC 100-Minute Debate and an MBC News Special. Earlier programming, including 'Desperate Mrs. Seonju', scheduled for 7:05 PM, has also been removed from the lineup.
TV Chosun’s Miss Trot similarly announced its cancellation. The production team shared the update via the official Miss Trot social media account: "Tonight’s (December 4) episode of Miss Trot has been canceled. We kindly ask for viewers’ understanding."
MBN also confirmed disruptions. A representative stated that the popular show 'I Am a Natural Person', which was set to air at 9:10 PM, will be replaced by an MBN News Special. However, the network noted that programming would return to normal with Teenage Parents airing as planned at 10:20 PM.
SBS also announced the cancellation of Kick a Goal – Expansion of the Universe. According to a representative, the episode will be replaced by a special broadcast of 8 O’Clock News.
Meanwhile, tvN’s You Quiz on the Block remains in limbo. A representative stated, "No final decision has been made yet. We will inform viewers as soon as possible."
Despite these widespread changes, some programs are proceeding as planned. A KBS representative confirmed, "The Return of Superman and Studio K will air as scheduled. Dramas including Face Me, Cinderella Game, and Let’s Get Married, Toad! will also follow the original schedule." KBS 2TV programming remains unchanged according to its website.
In addition to broadcast disruptions, some entertainment events have been postponed. A Netflix interview featuring actress Seo Hyun Jin for the series Trunk, originally scheduled for 11:00 AM on December 4, has been pushed to Friday, December 6. Similarly, a pop-up event for a perfume brand, featuring actor Kim Soo Hyun, STAYC member Sieun, and WJSN’s Yeoreum, was canceled.
On the night of December 3, President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law during an emergency briefing at the Yongsan presidential office. He stated, "To protect the Republic of Korea from the threats of North Korean communism and to eradicate the shameless, pro-North anti-state forces plundering the freedom and happiness of our citizens, I am declaring martial law to safeguard the constitutional order."
However, the National Assembly swiftly intervened. In an emergency session convened at 1:00 AM on December 4, lawmakers unanimously voted to pass a resolution demanding the termination of martial law. With all 190 attending members in favor, the resolution passed. President Yoon chaired a cabinet meeting shortly after and officially lifted martial law within six hours of its declaration.
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