By Cho Jae-hyon
Staff Reporter
The final curtain is falling on Dong Choon Circus as the Korea's first troupe with the longest history of 84 years is on the verge of being dismembered, hit by overdue debt and dwindling number of spectators.
Its president Park Sae-hwan, who has led the troupe for about 40 years, said he is being forced to dismantle the company, with the spread of swine flu being the final straw.
"We are in the middle of the most difficult stages ever. We won't be able to continue our performances due to worsening financial conditions," Park, 65, said in an interview with The Korea Times. "I have not paid salaries to our members for three months. It's really painful."