KBS2's long-running music program "Music Bank" will be taking an unusual two-week break in June 2026, marking one of its rare broadcast suspensions in recent years. The network confirmed that the show will not air on June 19 and June 26, asking viewers for understanding as scheduling changes take effect.
The announcement has drawn attention from K-pop fans who are used to the show airing every Friday at 5:05 p.m. KST.
According to Soompi, KBS stated simply, "'Music Bank' will not be airing on Friday, June 19 or 26, 2026. We ask for your generous understanding." No additional reason was provided for the extended pause, making it a notable gap for one of Korea's most consistent music chart shows.
The two-week break is especially rare in the program's history. While "Music Bank" has previously adjusted its airtime for major global events like the FIFA World Cup, it has not often paused for multiple consecutive weeks.
"#MusicBank" To Go Off Air For 2 Weekshttps://t.co/ZPWrtsGGTj pic.twitter.com/v6q9mogWQE
— Soompi (@soompi) June 9, 2026
Music Bank Hiatus Rarely Seen Since 2002 World Cup
The only similar comparison dates back to the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup period, when scheduling shifts were also made for live sports coverage.
Earlier in the year, "Music Bank" also faced an unexpected cancellation due to a wildfire disaster in South Korea, AllKPop reported.
At that time, KBS confirmed that the live broadcast would be replaced with a pre-recorded special episode of "Park Won-sook's Live Together." The program later resumed normal airing after the emergency coverage period ended.
The wildfire situation that led to the earlier disruption had caused serious nationwide concern. Large areas were affected, and thousands of residents were evacuated as emergency response teams worked to control the spread.
The disaster prompted multiple programming changes across Korean television, including music and entertainment broadcasts.
"Music Bank," currently hosted by actor Moon Sang Min and ILLIT's Minju, has remained one of the most closely watched weekly K-pop chart shows. Its absence, even temporarily, is expected to shift attention toward other music programs during the hiatus period.
