Life on hold in South Korea, a nation paralysed by tragedy
Political campaigns suspended, TV shows and concerts cancelled as stunned South Koreans wonder how such a ferry disaster could happen
Stunned by this week's ferry disaster involving hundreds of missing schoolchildren, South Korea has gone into shock, with political campaigns suspended, television shows and concerts cancelled and vigils held to register grief at the unfolding tragedy.
The 6,825-tonne ferry carrying 475 people, mostly high school students, sank off the country's southwest on Wednesday. Nearly 300 people are dead or missing, with search efforts making little progress.
This is no time for laughter. We will mourn … in as sombre a mood as possible
As images of victims and distraught families fuelled the nationwide mood of despair, major television stations stopped airing dozens of prime-time soap operas and popular entertainment shows - especially any involving music and dance.
They have been replaced with special news coverage of the accident or documentaries.
"This is no time for laughter or joy. We plan to mourn the victims in as sombre a mood as possible," said Han Kyung-chun, a producer at KBS TV.
The two main political parties imposed a temporary ban on campaigning for critical local elections in June.
Companies have cancelled social business events, while provincial governments have indefinitely suspended planned festivals, concerts and firework shows.
