Concerts, Broadcast Programs, And More Postponed And Canceled Following Itaewon Tragedy

Events and shows have been canceled to spend a period of mourning following last night’s tragedy in Itaewon. 

On October 30, the 2022 Busan One Asia Festival (BOF) officially released an announcement stating, “A period of national mourning was declared due to the tragic accident in Itaewon. We inform you that the Busan One Asia Festival K-pop concert, which was scheduled to kick off in Busan tonight at 7 p.m. KST, has been canceled.” 

The announcement continued, “The refund process for the tickets will occur from November 2 (Wednesday) to November 10 (Thursday), and we will contact all the attendees separately in order. We ask for deep understanding from those who purchased tickets and used transportation in order to view the concert.” This was a decision that was also reached by the city of Busan.  

Furthermore, trot artists Jang Yoon Jung, Young Tak, and Hong Jin Young canceled their concerts originally scheduled for October 30, expressing condolences in their statements. The “Peakbox 22-03” concert featuring artists Parc Jae Jung and Monday Kiz was also canceled. 

 The press conference for KBS2’s upcoming drama “Curtain Call,” which was originally scheduled for October 31 at 2 p.m. KST, has been canceled. Episode 1 will air as scheduled later that night at 9:50 p.m. KST. 

 EXO’s Chen’s upcoming solo comeback with “Last Scene” has also been tentatively postponed. A representative of SM Entertainment stated, “We inform you that the release date for Chen’s third mini album ‘Last Scene’ scheduled for October 31 has been tentatively postponed.” Expressing their condolences for those hurt from the tragedy, the agency stated that they will update fans once the release date is confirmed. Accordingly, the press conference for the album has also been canceled.  

A representative of SM Entertainment also announced that the birthday Instagram Live for aespa’s Giselle will no longer take place. Earlier today, SM Entertainment also canceled its annual Halloween party.  Furthermore, broadcast stations KBS, MBC, SBS, JTBC, and more have canceled their scheduled programs to broadcast news updates throughout the day. KBS1 programs that were canceled include “National Singing Contest,” “TV Show Authentic Masterpieces,” “Business Insight,” “Animal Kingdom,” “Open Concert,” “Issue Pick with the Teacher,” “Tracking Current Events,” and the opening game for professional basketball. KBS2 canceled various reruns as well as “Boss in the Mirror,” “2 Days and 1 Night,” and “HK Coin.” 

 SBS canceled “Animal Farm,” “Running Man,” “Sing for Gold,” “My Little Old Boy,” “Man in Black Box,” “SBS Special,” and “NewJeans Code in Busan.” Earlier today, it was confirmed that “Inkigayo” will also not air. MBC canceled “Mystic TV: Surprise,” “Let’s Go Video Travel,” “The King of Mask Singer,” “Where is My Home,” “United Fathers,” and more.  

In addition to canceling various programs, JTBC also stated that their weekend drama “The Empire” will not air today. Although tvN does not have any news programs, the broadcast station will not air “Comedy Big League” and “The Game Caterers 2” this week.  

On the night of October 29, a large crowd crush occurred during Halloween celebrations in the Itaewon neighborhood of Seoul. At the time of publishing, at least 151 people were confirmed to have died in the incident, with many others injured.