"Can't Take It Anymore" "December Solitary Cell Will Be Cold"… Stars Explode in Anger Over Martial Law

Criticism of 'Emergency Martial Law' Also in the Entertainment Industry
Heo Ji-woong "I Can't Take It Anymore"
Kim Soo-yong "December Solitary Confinement Must Be Cold"

Celebrities also poured out criticism over President Yoon Seok-yeol's sudden declaration of martial law. From left, broadcaster Heo Ji-woong, actress Kim Ji-woo, comedian Kim Soo-yong. Instagram

In the middle of the night, President Yoon Seok-yeol's sudden declaration of martial law drew criticism from celebrities on social media platforms (SNS).

Writer and broadcaster Heo Ji-woong left a brief message on his Instagram saying, "I can't take it anymore." Comedian Kim Soo-yong wrote, "Winter in Seoul on December 12. The solitary confinement must be cold." Singer Kim Chang-yeol also posted, "#MartialLaw #ThisIsMartialLaw."

Actor Kim Ki-cheon shared a screenshot of the news video about President Yoon Seok-yeol's emergency declaration of martial law on his X (formerly Twitter) account, writing, "This will be recorded in history. Do not collaborate." Singer Lee Seung-hwan, who canceled and then resumed his concert due to the martial law declaration, said, "I have a lot to say today, and I will meet you with deeper and more profound stories and songs."

Actress Kim Ji-woo shared a screenshot of the news showing martial law troops entering the National Assembly on her Instagram, writing, "I never thought I would experience martial law firsthand in my life," and "Seeing martial law troops blocking the National Assembly, what is this?" She added, "I am not blaming the martial law troops. What crime did the soldiers deployed on site commit?" She continued, "They must be much younger than me, and they are just soldiers who had to be deployed by orders to the scene. They are also citizens of the Republic of Korea like me, so I only feel sorrow."

Broadcaster Lee Sang-min wrote in English on his Instagram, "The Republic of Korea is neither in a state of war nor in a chaotic situation," adding, "However, martial law was declared due to political conflicts, and the National Assembly voted to end the martial law." He reassured fans, saying, "The Republic of Korea is safe. I want to tell all those around the world who care about Korea and love Korea to rest assured."

On the night of the 3rd, President Yoon Seok-yeol announced in an emergency statement at the Presidential Office in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, "To protect the free Republic of Korea from the threat of North Korean communist forces, to eradicate the shameless pro-North anti-state forces who plunder the freedom and happiness of our people at once, and to uphold the free constitutional order, I hereby declare martial law." This is the first declaration of martial law in 45 years since 1979. Accordingly, at 1 a.m. on the 4th, a motion to lift martial law was submitted to the plenary session, and with all 190 members of the National Assembly present, it was passed unanimously. President Yoon chaired a Cabinet meeting in the early morning of the 4th and approved the National Assembly's request to lift martial law, ending it within six hours.