MBC Cancels 2024 Entertainment Awards Amid National Mourning

The 2024 MBC Broadcasting Entertainment Awards, originally scheduled for January 4, has been canceled due to a national mourning period declared following a tragic plane crash. On December 29, a Jeju Air flight crashed while attempting to land at Muan International Airport, resulting in the loss of 179 lives out of 181 passengers and crew. MBC had planned to host the awards ceremony featuring popular nominees such as Yoo Jae-suk (유재석) and Jeon Hyun-moo (전현무), but the event was abruptly called off in light of the disaster. MBC's programming shifted to news coverage, and the red carpet event was also canceled as a mark of respect. Other broadcasting networks, including KBS and SBS, are expected to follow suit, with their own award ceremonies now uncertain. The government has declared a seven-day mourning period until January 4, prompting various sectors, including entertainment and music, to cancel events and postpone schedules in solidarity with the victims. The plane crash occurred at 9:07 AM, with the aircraft reportedly receiving a warning about a potential bird strike just before the incident. Authorities are currently working on identifying the victims and investigating the cause of the crash.