The entertainment industry has come to a halt after the Sewol ferry accident, and singers who had been preparing for their comebacks are stuck in a dilemma as to what they should do.

The third week of April started the mourning period for the music, film, and television industry. Most schedules were cancelled as people took part in mourning with the victims and their family members. Even if they suffer financially, the people of Korea are more concerned about the emotional and social atmosphere right now.

During this time, singers and their agency officials are deep in their dilemma. All activities for a new song comeback have been completed, but they've decided themselves that they won't be going forth with their activities, at least for now. One of the main examples is male idol group EXO.

EXO held a showcase with Samsung Music on the 15th. Many fans showed up for the event, and music officials focused their attention on the event. EXO's upcoming song "Overdose" was revealed for the first time at the showcase and met with an explosive reaction. Everyone was looking forward to upcoming interviews and music program appearances.

However, the Sewol tragedy occurred on the 16th, and the entire nation is immersed in sorrow. EXO cancelled all of their plans and tentatively postponed their comeback. Only EXO-M quietly continued their activities in China. Even when they departed from Korea to China, EXO-M members appeared at the airport wearing black to show their grief.

EXO-K, who usually appears in Korea as their main stage, has stopped all comeback activities, including their comeback performance, music release, interviews, events, and all else. If they use excessive force to try to fit their schedules into this time of mourning, it could have an adverse effect.

Block B is in the same position. They're looking forward to their first concert on May 17th. They recently released their new album Jackpot and even their new music video, but they've never appeared on television. Realistically it can be said that all broadcasts and promotion activities that would normally take place before the concert probably will not happen. It's meaningless to do television broadcasts after the concert. On top of that, the World Cup season is coming up.

Junggigo, Lena Park, and G.NA have also postponed their comebacks, and are refraining from promotions. That's because if they were to promote their new songs at this time, they could unintentionally hurt the netizens who are currently in a very sensitive state.

Because these artists' comebacks have been delayed, those that had been preparing for a May comeback, including INFINITE, BEAST, Fly to the Sky, and 2PM, also have to adjust their schedules.

Several music and broadcasts officials have said, "All artists who were planning for comebacks in late April or early May have pushed their comebacks, and music broadcasts and promotions have come to a halt. Singers and staff are in deep contemplation right now. It's become an even bigger problem for some because they want to avoid having a comeback simultaneously with EXO, who is looking to come back in May."

What's worse is that if May comebacks are cancelled, then it'll be difficult for them to plan for any activities before July. That's because all the attention will be focused on the Brazil World Cup in June, so interest in the entertainment industry will be much lower. So even if artists were to release quality albums, it won't be easy for them to receive the spotlight. In this case they would have to wait until July.

It looks like the broadcasting and music industries will normalize sometime in mid-May. Artists who worked hard to prepare for their comebacks are heartbroken over the tragic incident, and also disappointed at the situation itself.