South Korean TV Dramas and Variety Shows Canceled Following President Yoon’s Impeachment
In an unprecedented move that has rippled through both politics and pop culture, South Korea’s major broadcasters have canceled or delayed numerous TV dramas and variety shows following the Constitutional Court’s historic ruling to impeach President Yoon Suk-yeol on April 4.
The decision to remove President Yoon from office has dominated national headlines, prompting all major television networks to prioritize live coverage of the political upheaval. This has resulted in widespread programming changes:
- KBS1 aired a continuous “News Special” beginning at 9 AM KST.
- KBS2 kept its Friday variety shows, including “Music Bank,” “Stars’ Top Recipe at Fun-Staurant,” and “The Seasons – Park Bo-gum’s Cantabile,” on schedule.
- MBC began coverage at 8:30 AM KST, postponing the highly anticipated premiere of its new weekend drama “Crushology 101” to April 11. However, “I Live Alone” will still air at 11:10 PM KST.
- SBS launched a “News Special” from 7:40 AM KST. While its new drama “Buried Hearts” will broadcast at 9:50 PM KST, other variety programs were canceled.
- JTBC preempted “Divorce Camp” on April 3 for impeachment-related reporting.
- Channel A replaced Friday’s lineup, including “My Golden Kids” and “Heart Pairing,” with breaking news content.
The Constitutional Court delivered its unanimous 8-0 decision at 11:22 AM KST, affirming the National Assembly’s motion to remove President Yoon from power. Acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae announced, “Respondent President Yoon Suk-yeol is hereby dismissed.”
The court cited grave unconstitutional and illegal actions as justification for the ruling, confirming that due process was properly followed throughout the impeachment proceedings.
Yoon becomes South Korea’s second president ever to be impeached, following 123 days of emergency martial law declared on December 3.
