More Films And Dramas Postpone Filming Due To Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic

More dramas and films have halted production in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

With the recent resurgence of the virus, many celebrities have been undergoing COVID-19 exams, and actors such as Kim Won Hae and Heo Dong Won have tested positive for it.

On August 21, a source from tvN’s new drama “Night and Day,” starring Namgoong Min and AOA’s Seolhyun revealed that the drama has paused filming until August 25 because of Kim Won Hae’s positive test results.

On the same day, it was reported that Jo Seung Woo and Park Shin Hye‘s JTBC drama “Sisyphus” (working title) has halted filming as well. A source shared, “‘Sisyphus’ is currently filming in the countryside and not in the metropolitan area. We are only working on the remaining schedule to clean up the site as soon as possible, and the planned filming schedule will be suspended and reorganized in compliance with quarantine guidelines and company policy.”

Netflix dramas, such as “Squid Game” with Lee Jung Jae and Park Hae Soo as the leading roles, have also temporarily stopped filming. Netflix shared that they have decided to suspend all content production for the time being to follow the government’s recommendations for public safety. They added, “Although the progress of the production will be affected depending on the future situation, we will decide when to resume production by considering the safety of the creators and producers first.”

Park Seo Joon and IU‘s upcoming film “Dream” (working title) shared they have finished filming in Korea on August 17 and are currently preparing for the overseas filming. Distribution company Megabox Plus M explained, “We are currently checking the schedule and location of overseas shooting. I’m currently preparing to shoot overseas, checking the schedule and location. Nothing has been settled, and due to the COVID-19 situation, the schedule is likely to change a lot.”

The film “Story of You and the Rain,” starring Kang Ha Neul, Chun Woo Hee, and Kang Sora, wrapped up filming last month. However, they had additional filming planned but decided to put a pause on it due to the pandemic. Hwang Geun Ha, the CEO of distribution company Azit Film shared, “We started shooting last March and finished filming in early July. However, on August 20 and 21, we had planned additional filming of a past scene played by child actors in a small neighborhood in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi, but we voluntarily withdrew because of the current situation.”

Hwang Geun Ha added that they will consider filming in September and explained they made the decision, regardless of the extra cost, because filming could affect the residents. Regarding the premiere date, he commented, “We are planning to release it at the end of December, but due to the current situation, the exact timing of the release will have to wait until after Chuseok (the Korean equivalent of Thanksgiving).”

Previously, JTBC announced a halt in drama production, and they have added more dramas that will be on hiatus. The dramas are “18 Again,” “Run On” (literal title), “Live On” (literal title), and “Our School Now” (literal translation).

“Run On” stars Im Siwan, Girls’ Generation’s Sooyoung, Kang Tae Oh and Shin Se Kyung. “Live On” is a romance drama that stars NU’EST’s Minhyun, Jung Da Bin, Noh Jong Hyun, Yang Hye Ji, Yeonwoo, and VICTON’s Byungchan. “Our School Now” is a drama based on a webtoon, and the cast has not been confirmed yet.

A source from JTBC stated, “We have ordered the suspension of filming for all dramas. We have yet to decide when shooting will resume again.”

JTBC isn’t the only station to shut down filming. KBS has also ordered a halt on production.

Here is an official statement from the broadcasting company:

KBS held an emergency meeting and decided to temporarily suspend the production of major dramas for a week from August 24 to August 30 to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

In a situation where the pandemic is spreading rapidly, we have decided to suspend the production of dramas, such as “Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol” (literal title), “If You Cheat, You Die” (literal title), and “Samkwang Villa” (literal title), for safety reasons in order to prevent the cast and crew from getting infected.

Following the temporary suspension of production, subsequent Wednesday-Thursday dramas, including “Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol,” which was scheduled to premiere on August 26, will inevitably be rescheduled. “The Secret Man” (literal title) will also be cancelled for a week.

Future broadcast schedules are also flexible to change depending on the COVID-19 situation.

We ask for your understanding as this is a measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

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