Economic YouTuber Shuka Mentions Martial Law Incident
"Hope the President Completes Term Well and Steps Down"
Controversy Arises from Misinterpretation of Support for Yoon
Economic YouTuber Shuka (real name Jeon Seok-jae), who has 3.45 million subscribers, sparked controversy after saying that he hopes President Yoon Seok-yeol and other presidents "complete their terms well" amid growing criticism of President Yoon over the martial law situation.
In a live broadcast on his YouTube channel 'Shuka World' in the early hours of the 6th, Shuka mentioned President Yoon's declaration of martial law. Referring to former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun's resignation after saying to officials that it was a "hopeless situation" immediately following the lifting of martial law, Shuka reportedly said, "I hope the president does well. I hope he does well, finishes his term smoothly, and then steps down." This comment drew criticism, with some accusing him of defending President Yoon. However, netizens who watched the video argued, "He was not defending President Yoon but expressing a hope that presidents complete their terms well." It has been confirmed that the live video is currently set to private.
Last July, a netizen posted a petition demanding the removal of YouTuber Shuka (real name Jeon Seok-jae) from KBS broadcasts. KBS Viewer Bulletin Board
Earlier in July, a netizen posted a petition demanding that Shuka withdraw from the KBS program 'Issue Pick, with Sam,' in which he appears, accusing him of "fabricating facts with biased opinions." The petitioner claimed, "Jeon Seok-jae (Shuka) is excessively politically biased," and added, "When producing video content on any topic, he follows the logic of a specific political faction and downplays or omits facts favorable to the opposing side, and this happens very frequently." The petitioner further stated, "A close look at the video content reveals distortions, fabrications, propaganda, and agitation that are very different from the facts," urging, "Please have him withdraw from the program and permanently ban him from KBS broadcasts." It is known that over 1,000 people agreed with this petition.
In response, KBS stated, "KBS always strives to maintain balance based on fairness, accuracy, and objectivity in broadcasting. The KBS knowledge lecture talk show 'Issue Pick, with Sam,' in which Jeon Seok-jae (Shuka) appears, carefully reviews the weekly topics and speakers to ensure they are not politically biased and do not threaten fairness and objectivity before finalizing them." They added, "This applies to the cast as well. Furthermore, KBS reviews cases involving cast members who cause social controversy and receive viewer criticism through the 'Broadcast Appearance Regulation Review Committee,' which examines restrictions on broadcast appearances and the use of related video materials."
They also noted, "Jeon Seok-jae (Shuka) is a powerful economic YouTuber with 3.25 million subscribers, and 'Shuka World' covers a wide range of diverse topics, which may lead to differences in views with subscribers and viewers." However, "After reviewing his remarks on the KBS program 'Issue Pick, with Sam,' we do not believe there are serious reasons to consider his withdrawal from the current program or permanent ban from KBS broadcasts as requested by the petitioners. We ask for your understanding on this matter."
On the morning of the 4th, when President Yoon Suk-yeol declared the lifting of martial law through an emergency national address, participants including Yang Kyung-soo, chairman of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), held placards at the "Nationwide Emergency Action to Proclaim a Comprehensive Resistance Movement for the Realization of National Sovereignty and the Resignation of Yoon Suk-yeol on Charges of Illegal Martial Law and Treason," held at Gwanghwamun Square in Jongno-gu, Seoul, organized by various civic groups including the KCTU and People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy. Photo by Yonhap News.
Meanwhile, on the evening of the 3rd, around 10:28 PM, President Yoon declared martial law in an emergency national address. Following this, martial law troops gathered at the National Assembly and attempted to enter the main building around midnight, leading to clashes with Secretariat staff and party aides who tried to block them. Subsequently, a motion demanding the lifting of martial law was passed in the plenary session, and the government lifted martial law at 4:30 AM after a Cabinet meeting. On the afternoon of the 4th, six opposition parties including the Democratic Party gathered at the National Assembly's legislative affairs office in Yeouido, Seoul, to submit an impeachment motion against President Yoon. However, the People Power Party decided at a party meeting on the 5th to oppose the impeachment motion, and the Democratic Party is reportedly planning to push for a vote at 7 PM on the 7th.
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