By Kwon Mee-yoo
Staff Reporter
Following the tragic sinking of the frigate Cheonan there has been a complete absence of comedy and entertainment programs for one month. It is understandable that the terrible incident would alter television programming but viewers are slowly becoming impatient for some lighthearted shows.
After the sinking of the naval ship, broadcasting stations eliminated all popular entertainment shows, such as "Infinite Challenge" on MBC and "Happy Sunday ㅡ One Night, Two Days" on KBS, as some 40 shows were taken off the air.
Singer and entertainer Kim C commented on the broadcasters' arbitrary measures through Twitter on April 4. "It's like 'Alice in Wonderland.' Sport is OK, movies are OK and dramas are OK, but no entertainment programs. Does this mean no more laughing?" Kim posted.
Though viewers know the suitableness of the solemn mood, they are not happy with the extensive entertainment-free television period.
"We should mourn for the deceased sailors, but I think this extensive cancellation of entertainment programs is too much. We need a good laugh sometimes, don't we?" 30-year-old office worker, Kim Jun-young said. "The broadcasting stations are applying a double standard on entertainment shows. They are airing dramas and sports programs, but being harsh on entertainment programs."
Some schedules are being normalized after weeks of cancellations, but the return to full broadcasting of entertainment programs is still unclear.
Kim Eun-sook, a 42-year-old housewife, said that people shouldn't have to be serious all day long and deprived of the right to watch entertaining TV programs.
"For four weeks, I have been unable to watch my favorite entertainment programs. Enjoying entertainment shows does not necessarily mean that we don't feel sad for the victims," she said.
MBC TV aired a long-awaited episode of the variety show "We Got Married" last Saturday, for the first time in four weeks. Though the episode was filmed about two months ago around St. Valentine's Day and Seollal, or Lunar New Year's Day, viewers welcomed the return of the program and it marked a rating of 8.9 percent, beating rival program, KBS's "Star Golden
Bell" at 7.7 percent, according to AGB Nielson.
However, it is not scheduled to be aired this Saturday. MBC is on strike against its executives, including new president, Kim Jae-chul and the walkout will also affect the cancellations.
KBS aired "Win Win" hosted by actor, Kim Seung-woo last Tuesday and "Happy Together" Thursday, but did not resume airing "Gag Concert."
All three stations are expected to cancel more shows until the funerals for the Cheonan sailors are over. KBS said it would resume entertainment programming from Friday, starting with "Music Bank."
A 23-year-old university student said, "I can't understand the standards of the stations. They cancel entertainment shows to show their condolences for the late sailors but air comedy movies. They should have proper guidelines for situations like this."