Film and Broadcasting Industry Closely Watching Year-End Festivals and Events
Although the emergency martial law declared by President Yoon Suk-yeol in a late-night urgent address was lifted after six hours, the entertainment industry is experiencing significant repercussions, such as canceling scheduled interviews. In particular, there is a cautious atmosphere as large-scale events like year-end award ceremonies approach.
The Netflix drama "Trunk" canceled the press interview with lead actress Seo Hyun-jin, which was scheduled to take place near Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 4th. The interview with actor Gong Yoo, planned for the 5th, is still under discussion.
The Wave variety series "Game of Blood 3" will hold an interview on the 4th at Wave's headquarters in Yeouido with PD Hyun Jung-wan and three cast members (Joo Eon-gyu, Lim Hyun-seo, Heo Seong-beom). Since Yeouido is where the National Assembly is located, the situation was carefully monitored, but after the martial law was lifted, the interview will proceed as planned. The film "Big Family" will also go ahead with the interview with director Yang Woo-seok near Bukchon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, after reconsideration.
A French jewelry brand canceled a photo wall event planned at a department store in Gangnam, Seoul. Actors Jung Eun-chae, Kim Jae-young, and Nam Yoon-su were scheduled to attend, but the brand announced, "Due to the declaration and lifting of martial law, the event is inevitably canceled."
Singer Lee Seung-hwan was scheduled to hold the concert "Like a Black-and-White Movie" on the 4th and 5th but canceled the performances and guided refund procedures when martial law was declared. After the martial law was lifted, he announced that the concert would proceed as planned.
The three major terrestrial broadcasters (KBS, MBC, SBS) are closely monitoring the situation ahead of year-end award ceremonies such as the Year-end Drama Awards this month. Many regional events featuring singers are being canceled one after another. Given the serious atmosphere, there is a consensus that year-end celebrations are inappropriate, and discussions are ongoing about whether to hold scheduled events. Immediately after the martial law declaration, major broadcasting channels suspended regular programming and switched to special news coverage. Entertainment agencies are busy monitoring the situation to determine any schedule changes.
People working in the entertainment industry breathed a sigh of relief after the night of shock. Broadcaster and writer Heo Ji-woong expressed, "I can't take it anymore," while actress Kim Ji-woo said, "To think I would experience martial law firsthand in my life. To see martial law troops blocking the National Assembly." Singer Kim Chang-ryeol reacted, "Martial law, really?" Broadcaster Lee Sang-min wrote on his social media on the 4th, "South Korea is not in a state of war. Martial law was declared due to political conflicts, and the National Assembly has voted to lift it. South Korea is safe."
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