JTBC steps up cost cuts as web show 'Halmeongsu' halts filming

JTBC's web entertainment show "Halmeongsu," featuring broadcaster Park Myung-su, has suspended filming, raising concerns that the network has begun cutting costs in earnest following its declaration of a debt default.

According to Ilgan Sports on Tuesday, Park and the rest of the cast recently received notice from the production team that filming would be paused for one week. The show records on a biweekly schedule and had been due to film that day, but the cast were informed the session had been canceled.

The production team initially said only one week of filming would be skipped, but the next recording date has yet to be set, leaving the show's future uncertain. However, since episodes have already been recorded in advance, videos are still expected to upload every Friday at 5:30 p.m. through July. JTBC said in a statement that the recent cancellation was confirmed but that no decisions had been made regarding future plans.

"Halmeongsu" is a web variety show produced by JTBC Digital Studio. Since its debut in August 2020, the show has drawn strong viewership over six years and now has about 1.72 million subscribers. Hosted by Park, the show features conversations with fellow entertainers and mukbang segments, among other formats.