According to the performing arts industry on February 10, the evening performance of Life of Pi, scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM, was suddenly called off at approximately 7:25 PM—just five minutes before curtain up. The production company cited a “technical malfunction” as the reason for the cancellation.
In an emergency notice, the production team announced a compensation plan offering a 110% refund of the ticket price, an unusually high reimbursement intended to quickly address audience dissatisfaction. The company added that individual notifications would be sent sequentially via text messages and issued a formal apology to theatergoers.
However, despite the swift compensation offer, public anger has shown no signs of subsiding.
Many audience members—particularly fans who traveled from across the country to see Park Jung Min, a highly sought-after stage actor—voiced strong objections, emphasizing that “the refund amount is not the problem.”
Criticism flooded official social media accounts and online communities, with attendees condemning the handling of the situation on-site. One audience member wrote, “We were standing in line at the theater entrance when they announced the cancellation over a barely audible loudspeaker. Is this really acceptable?” Another added, “I went through the stress of ticketing and even took a day off work just to see Park Jung Min perform. This felt irresponsible and completely lacking basic courtesy.”
The backlash highlights a growing frustration among theatergoers over last-minute cancellations, especially when performances involve top-tier actors whose shows attract audiences willing to invest significant time, money, and effort.
The play Life of Pi, adapted from the global bestseller Life of Pi, was scheduled to feature Park Jung Min alongside Hwang Man Ik, Joo Ah, and Jin Sang Hyun on stage that evening.
While the production company has promised refunds and apologies, the incident has reignited debate over audience rights, crisis communication, and professional responsibility within the performing arts industry.
Sources: Sports Chosun