Koreans urged to stay away from Shanghai film festival over MERS fears

Actor Jang Dong-gun / Yonhap

By Lee Min-hyung

Korean actors and movie officials have been asked not to attend the Shanghai movie festival because of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) outbreak, according to the South China Morning Post, Friday.

“On the principle of being responsible about health, we suggest they do not come,” the Post quoted festival official Yang Xinwei as saying.

Following the announcement, Korean stars have cancelled plans to visit Shanghai. Actor Jang Dong-gun was to attend the Jackie Chan festival on Thursday, but withdrew. Actor So Ji-sub was scheduled to join the event while staying in China, but returned to Korea.

“According to the current circumstances of the breakout and development of the MERS virus, the Korean government has adopted a series of protection measures and cancelled mass events and activities,” a letter from the festival committee said. “We consider your health and hope you are taking extra precautions to maintain your well-being.”

Twenty-two Korean movies were originally scheduled to be released at the festival.