Amid ongoing condolences from the South Korean entertainment industry for the victims of the Jeju Air passenger plane crash at Muan Airport, MBC has decided to cancel the 2024 MBC Drama Awards live broadcast.
On Monday, MBC announced, “We express our deepest condolences to the victims and their families of Sunday’s tragic plane crash. To join the nation in mourning and to show solidarity with those in grief, the live broadcast of the 2024 MBC Drama Awards, scheduled for Monday at 8:40 p.m., has been canceled and will be replaced with a pre-recorded broadcast.” The broadcast date of the recorded ceremony has not yet been determined.
“This decision was made out of respect for the victims and in solidarity with the bereaved families. We kindly ask for the understanding of our viewers. Details will be provided regarding the broadcast schedule of the pre-recorded awards ceremony and the winners’ announcement. We offer our prayers for the repose of the victims and extend our deepest sympathies to the grieving families.”
Nominees for the grand prize at the 2024 MBC Drama Awards include Lee Ha Nee (Knight Flower), Kim Nam Joo (Wonderful World), Lee Je Hoon (Chief Detective 1958), Kim Hee Sun (Our, House), Byun Yo Han (Death to Snow White), Han Suk Kyu (Doubt), and Yoo Yeon Seok (When the Phone Rings).
Meanwhile, according to South Korea’s fire authorities, at approximately 9:03 a.m. on Sunday, a Jeju Air flight 7C2216 from Bangkok, Thailand, attempted to land at Muan International Airport in Pisori, Mangun-myeon, Muan County, South Jeolla Province. The plane overran the runway and collided with the airport’s outer wall, causing an explosion. The National Fire Agency confirmed that all 179 passengers were killed, except for two crew members who were rescued.
In response, the broadcasting industry has joined the mourning by canceling scheduled entertainment programs and year-end award ceremonies. MBC also canceled the 2024 MBC Entertainment Awards, initially planned for Sunday.