The Opera theater at Seoul Arts Center in Seocho-dong, southern Seoul, where a fire broke out during a performance last Wednesday.

According to XX, Performances at Seoul Arts Center in southern Seoul have been canceled due to a fire Wednesday evening. Seoul Arts Center, which turns 20 next year, is suffering more than just a heavy monetary loss during the crucial year-end season. The fire has ignited questions about security and leaves a deep scar in its reputation as one of Korea's major culture spaces ― especially given its recently released mission to stand among the top five art centers in the world.

Korea National Ballet's upcoming production of the ``The Nutcracker,'' Dec. 20-29, in addition to Thursday and Friday performances of the opera ``La Boheme,'' were called off.

Pop up notices of the cancellation have been posted on the Center's Web site, www.sac.or.kr/eng (in English). Those who have made reservations can call (02) 580-1400 for a full refund.

The fire affected the Opera Theater only, and performances at the Towol and Jayu theaters, and the Concert and Recital halls will go on as planned.

Seoul Arts Center reported that flames were first detected around 7:38 p.m. during the first act of the opera ``La Boheme.'' The house manager was notified around 7:41, and a minute later, took measures to contain the fire by dropping the firewall between the stage and the audiences' seats. Public announcements were also made to facilitate evacuation. The fire department received a call at 7:44 and arrived within six minutes.

About 20 staff guided more than 2,400 people to safely exit the smoke-filled theater. No injuries were reported and the exact cause of the accident is under investigation.

During a heated press conference Thursday morning, various security issues were raised, such as whether or not the water sprinklers had functioned properly and why the 119 call and public announcements were delayed.

The water sprinklers did not release any water that night, and Seoul Arts Center explained that they activate depending on the density of the smoke. The house manager did not immediately broadcast pubic messages so as to avoid stirring up anxiety among the audience, said the Center.

The Center's emergency response manual instructs staff members to contain early stages of fires using fire extinguishers and to immediately broadcast public announcements. ``It is for the police and fire department to decide whether or not we abided by security regulations and to trace the exact cause of the fire,'' said Shin Hyun-taek, president of Seoul Arts Center.

The fire damaged part of the Opera theater's main stage. Shin emphasized that security issues will be given top priority during the renovation process, which could take up to a month.

Meanwhile, those who are disappointed with the cancellation of Korea National Ballet's ``The Nutcracker'' can look forward to seeing it at Seoul Open Theater, Changdong, Dec. 24.