Veteran Soap Actress Fired Over Ferry Disaster Links

The fallout from the ferry disaster last month is becoming increasingly bizarre and has now cost a veteran soap actress her job.

Jeon Yang-jais suspected of being close to the dubious de facto owner of the ferry operator, Yoo Byung-eon, who is also the founder of a religious cult.

Due to this unfortunate association, Jeon has been fired from MBC's daily soap "Shining Romance". MBC in a press release on Wednesday said Jeon's recorded appearances will only be aired until next week.

Prosecutors plan to summon Jeon because she is registered as the owner of the cult's headquarters and head of two of Yoo's businesses, Kukje Video & Film Production and Norunja Shopping.

Prosecutors believe Jeon is a key witness in charges brought against Yoo and his two sons. She has already been banned from traveling overseas.

The two companies run by Jeon are separately under investigation for embezzlement, misappropriation and tax evasion.

MBC cancelled filming of "Shining Romance" scheduled for Monday and Tuesday. Producer Kim Kyung-hee said, "It has become impossible for Jeon to commit to her acting, and other actors are feeling the pressure too, so we cancelled schedule for Monday and Tuesday".

Jeon's early departure will force a dramatic plot change. Since her debut in 1966, she has appeared in over 120 films and soap operas.