Entertainment industry voices anger over Yoon’s martial law declaration

By KTimes

President Yoon Suk Yeol’s abrupt declaration of martial law has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, disrupting schedules and prompting prominent figures to voice sharp criticism amid the unprecedented national turmoil.

Author and broadcaster Heo Ji-woong posted a black image on social media shortly after the announcement on the night of Tuesday, writing, “I can’t take this anymore.”

Actor Kim Ji-woo shared a screenshot of a news broadcast, lamenting, “I never thought I’d live to experience martial law. Watching soldiers block the National Assembly — what is this?”

Singer Kim Chang-yeol also chimed in with a biting comment, saying, “Martial law? More like martial nonsense.”

The declaration disrupted the entertainment industry calendar, with some artists forced to cancel or revise performances.

Singer Lee Seung-hwan initially announced the cancellation of his Wednesday and Thursday concerts, “Like a Black and White Movie,” due to martial law. However, after the martial law was lifted, Lee updated fans, saying, “The concert will proceed as planned. I apologize for the confusion and promise a deeper, more heartfelt performance today.”

Singer-songwriter Jang Beom-june, formerly of Busker Busker, confirmed that his small weekday concert series “Silent Rain Falls,” running until Dec. 19 at Hyundai Card Understage in Yongsan, would continue as scheduled.

On his YouTube channel’s community page, Jang urged fans, “Let’s do our best to protect our precious daily lives. Please keep an eye on the news, and I’ll see you at the concert!”

Singer Lee Seung-hwan says via social media that his concert “Like a Black and White Movie” would proceed as planned following the lifting of martial law. Captured from his social media

Midnight decision cancels Seo Hyun-jin interview

Actress Seo Hyun-jin, who was scheduled to conduct five interviews on Dec. 4 to promote the Netflix drama “Trunk,” canceled all appearances.

A production official said, “The decision to cancel the interviews was made around midnight, following the martial law declaration at 10 p.m. Despite the lifting of martial law, the situation is still too chaotic to proceed with today’s schedule.”

The national emergency has led to unforeseen situations in the entertainment world. On Dec. 3, I.M (Lim Chang-kyun), a member of K-pop group Monsta X, shared the breaking news of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law declaration live on KBS radio during “Monsta X I.M’s Kiss the Radio.”

I.M of Monsta X delivers breaking news about President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law declaration during his KBS radio show, Tuesday. Captured from “Monsta X I.M’s Kiss the Radio” website

I.M announced, “Breaking news: President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law this afternoon.” Listeners reacted with astonishment, commenting, “Never thought I’d hear a K-pop idol deliver news about martial law.”

Meanwhile, social media is buzzing with calls to re-release the movie “12.12: The Day.” The film, which drew over 13 million viewers last year, portrays the late former President Chun Doo-hwan’s “12/12 military coup.”

The comparisons have been reignited as soldiers entered the National Assembly following Yoon’s martial law declaration, echoing events depicted in the movie.

President Yoon had declared martial law late Tuesday, citing the need to “eradicate shameless pro-North antistate forces threatening the freedom and happiness of our people.” However, the National Assembly passed a resolution to lift martial law just hours later, and Yoon rescinded it at 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.