[HanCinema's News] Several Dramas Suspend Filming Due to Positive COVID-19 Test

On November 21st, a person associated with the upcoming drama "Bossam: Steal the Fate" was revealed to have tested positive for COVID-19. The drama, which is still in its early stages, stars Jung Il-woo and Kwon Yuri in the leading roles. Production for the drama is in such an early phase there haven't even been official announcements for most of the cast yet. However, the shared nature of the afflicted area is such that a large number of other dramas have been forced to shut down.

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Among currently airing dramas only "The Penthouse" has been affected by the positive test, although filming is close enough to completion that the airing schedule is unlikely to be affected. For the most part dramas yet to air are the main ones affected by the positive test result. These include "Mr. Queen", "Hush", "River Where the Moon Rises", and "Joseon Exorcist".

One drama that does not fall into that pattern which has also been closed is "Sisyphus: The Myth". In that case the presence of a shared crewmember from one of the afflicted dramas has been cause enough to force a shutdown. "Joseon Exorcist" has also confirmed that an additional one of their one staffpersons also received a positive COVID-19 test, as has "River Where the Moon Rises", and "The Penthouse" since testing began.

No major actors are reported to have tested positively for COVID-19. The main vector appears to have been minor supporting actors, on account of the fact that they are far more likely to visit a large number of different sets over a short time period. The South Korean drama industry as a whole has faced criticism for not having mandatory mask rules. Purportedly all the infected persons were not wearing masks on set, although all of them were easily contact traced.

Written by William Schwartz