Amid South Korea’s ongoing political unrest following the declaration and swift repeal of martial law by President Yoon Suk Yeol, several major K-dramas have canceled their December 7 broadcasts to prioritize special news coverage.

Which Dramas Are Affected?

Broadcasters have pulled episodes of several popular dramas slated for December 7:

• SBS’s The Fiery Priest 2
  A ratings powerhouse, this Friday-Saturday drama has consistently topped its timeslot with viewership exceeding 10%. Fans will have to wait longer to see the next chapter in this comedic and action-packed series.

• MBC’s When the Phone Rings
  A rising hit on Netflix, this drama ranked second on the OTT platform’s Global Top 10 list (non-English) during the first week of December. The suspense-filled series has also been gaining traction domestically.

• JTBC’s The Tale of Lady Ok
  Fresh off its premiere, this Saturday-Sunday historical drama has drawn praise for its captivating storytelling. Ratings jumped from 4.20% in its debut episode to an impressive 6.81% for its second.

Despite their success, these dramas are being preempted to allow networks to cover ongoing political developments, including large-scale protests and intensifying tensions over President Yoon’s possible impeachment.

What Will Air as Scheduled?

While some dramas are on hold, tvN’s Love Your Enemy and KBS 2TV’s The Iron Family are proceeding with their December 7 broadcasts as planned, providing fans with some continuity amidst the disruptions.

Political Crisis Takes Center Stage

The cancellations come as South Korea faces a tumultuous political landscape. The National Assembly is embroiled in debates over impeachment proceedings against President Yoon, while protests around the Assembly continue to grow. Broadcasters are prioritizing comprehensive news coverage to address the unfolding crisis.

As fans eagerly await the return of their favorite dramas, the focus shifts to the real-life drama gripping the nation. Stay tuned for updates on when these highly anticipated episodes will air.