Junwonilgi Shoot in North Korea Cancelled

Plans to shoot MBC drama 'Junwonilgi'(a drama about life in an agricultural village) in North Korea have been cancelled. To help celebrate Parent's Day (May 8), MBC had planned a 'Jonwonilgi-Mt. Kumkang' episode in which the president and first lady go on a Mt. Kumkang tour. MBC announced on April 22, however, that they "had an agreement with North Korea (through Hyundai) to film the episode in the North, but had to abandon the shoot because it was taking too long to complete the negotiations."

The crew of 'Junwonilgi' had originally planned to spend four days at Mt. Kumkang. Approximately 30 members, including actors and staff, were planning to participate. The MBC wanted viewers to see the spring scenery of Mt.Kumkang, as well as a 10 minute North Korean acrobatics performance. Chief Producer Kwon Yi-sang expressed his regret, saying that they "made the decision to abandon their plans after considering other options like postponing the shooting date. However, negotiations with North Korea simply proved too difficult in the end."

by Lee Hoo-nam