"Waiting from 4 AM" Criticism Mounts Over 'Mr. Trot' Recording Day Cancellation

TV Chosun entertainment program 'Tomorrow is Mr. Trot' poster/Photo by TV Chosun

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Yeon-ju] TV Chosun has abruptly canceled the recording of the 'Mr. Trot' finals due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), sparking criticism among the audience members over the same-day cancellation.

On the 24th, TV Chosun's entertainment program 'Tomorrow is Mr. Trot' announced, "The 'Mr. Trot' finals recording scheduled for today (24th) has been abruptly canceled due to additional confirmed COVID-19 cases and concerns over secondary infections."

They added, "Considering that the COVID-19 situation is rapidly spreading and that this event involves a large number of unspecified participants, we made this decision after careful consideration, prioritizing safety above all else," and "The finals recording will proceed after monitoring the COVID-19 situation."

In response, the 'Mr. Trot' viewer participation board has been filled with posts expressing disappointment toward the 'Mr. Trot' team for deciding to cancel on the day of the event.

One audience member said, "Although I felt uneasy about attending due to COVID-19, I decided to go since there was no contact, but I received a text message notifying me of the cancellation on my way there," adding, "I even took a day off from work, so this is frustrating."

Another audience member expressed anger, saying, "I booked accommodation because it was difficult to come from the provinces," and "I was about to leave after spending a day at the accommodation when I received the cancellation notice on the day."

Yet another audience member expressed regret, saying, "I lined up from 4 a.m. yesterday, and now it's canceled."

Meanwhile, 'Mr. Trot' is a TV entertainment program that selects the next-generation male trot singers and has gained great popularity, surpassing a 30% viewership rating.

The following is the official statement from TV Chosun

Hello, this is the production team of TV CHOSUN's 'Mr. Trot.' We inform you that the 'Mr. Trot' finals recording scheduled for today (24th) has been abruptly canceled due to the government's escalation to the highest risk level, the 'serious' stage, and concerns over additional confirmed COVID-19 cases and secondary infections.

Considering the rapid spread of the COVID-19 situation and that this event involves a large number of unspecified participants, we made this decision after careful consideration, prioritizing safety above all else. The finals recording will proceed after monitoring the COVID-19 situation. Going forward, our 'Mr. Trot' production team will do our best to prevent COVID-19 infection and its spread. Thank you.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.