Stars Participating in Yeouido Candlelight Rally
Sharing Political Statements and Encouraging Participation
"Support Impeachment" Criticism of People Power Party as "Accomplices in Rebellion"
On the 3rd, following President Yoon Seok-yeol's sudden declaration of martial law and the ensuing political turmoil, and after the ruling party's walkout in the National Assembly on the 7th caused the presidential impeachment motion to fail, numerous stars unusually revealed their political stances publicly. Their voices attracted attention not only at candlelight rallies but also through social media.
Actress Go Ah-sung posted on social media a photo of herself crossing the Han River using public transportation to attend the "National Candlelight March." [Photo by Go Ah-sung Instagram]
On the 7th, singer Park Hye-kyung expressed strong disappointment on SNS, saying, "It seems the People Power Party is trying to replace the president by ignoring the people's opinions." She vented her anger, stating, "South Korea does not belong to the People Power Party but to the people."
Singer Lee Seung-hwan also directed sharp criticism at ruling party lawmakers, saying, "I saw well how you willingly become accomplices to rebellion," and added, "Are you proud and pleased with your power to instantly betray the will of nearly 80% of democratic citizens who want the president impeached? You are people who are not afraid of being sinners in history and prioritize current power, and even if people die and livelihoods collapse, you seem to think, 'What are you going to do about it?' So, I guess you are quite comfortable."
Singer Lee Seunghwan strongly criticized members of the People Power Party through a post on social media. [Photo by Lee Seunghwan SNS]
Lee Chae-yeon, a former member of IZ*ONE, wrote on a fan communication platform, "I am speaking out because I am a celebrity," and added, "As a citizen, I will act to create a better world." Olivia Hye, formerly of LUCYMBLE, also encouraged the candlelight rallies, saying, "Before being an idol, I am a citizen doing what I believe is right."
Many stars, including actors Go Ah-sung, Shin So-yul, Go Min-si, and Lee Cheon-hee, announced their participation in the candlelight rally in Yeouido on the 7th, joining the national voice. Go Ah-sung left a phrase using the title of her work: "Not because I hate Korea, but because I must save Korea." Shin So-yul expressed disappointment toward ruling party lawmakers who refused to vote, saying, "Please vote. How can you do this?"
Actor Jung Chan revealed plans to attend the rally with his daughter, saying, "Even foreigners are surprised by this scene," and singer Solbi emphasized the government's responsibility by posting a photo of a constitutional article.
On the afternoon of the 7th, participants hold candles at the "Treason Yoon Seok-yeol Resignation! Realization of People's Sovereignty! Great Social Reform! Nationwide Candlelight March" held in front of the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News.
Actor Lee El posted a photo with the National Assembly building in the background, writing, "Let's warm up, regroup, and head back to the National Assembly!" Actor Lee Dong-wook shared part of the lyrics from Scorpions' "Wind of Change" via Bubble around the same time, urging, "Let's stay strong, dress warmly in the cold," and added, "Spring will surely come."
Actor Lee El posted on her SNS on the 7th with a photo of her walking towards the National Assembly building from behind, along with the caption, "Warming up a bit, regrouping, and heading back to the National Assembly." [Photo by Lee El Instagram]
Actor Lee Cheon-hee expressed his opinion briefly and strongly with a photo of the empty ruling party seats in the National Assembly, saying, "It's embarrassing," and actor Shin So-yul certified her attendance at the Yeouido candlelight protest by posting, "Please vote... How can you do this?"
Actress Go Hyun-jung added a flame emoji to director Byun Young-joo's post to intensify the impact. Actress Go Min-si, who appeared in the drama "Youth of May," added a candle emoji along with the word "3 o'clock." "Youth of May" is a drama set during the May Gwangju Democratic Uprising and had been a topic of discussion.
In a national address on the 7th, President Yoon stated, "I will not evade legal and political responsibility related to the martial law declaration," and pledged to entrust national stability to the ruling party. In response, singer Lee Seung-yoon criticized, "As a citizen who suddenly experienced martial law, the president's explanation is not sincere." Park Hye-kyung emphasized, "South Korea has always been raised by its people in difficult times," and stressed, "The People Power Party does not represent this."
Singer Park Hye-kyung posted her feelings in detail on SNS immediately after the President's national address on the 7th. [Photo by Park Hye-kyung Instagram]
On the same day, a statement demanding the president's dismissal and arrest was issued by 2,518 film industry figures, including director Bong Joon-ho and actress Moon So-ri, along with 77 organizations. Following this, from K-pop idols to singers and actors, voices calling for President Yoon's resignation over the martial law incident grew louder, gaining widespread public sympathy.
On the night of the 3rd, President Yoon Seok-yeol abruptly declared martial law but lifted it about six hours later. This action was taken just 3 hours and 30 minutes after the National Assembly passed a resolution demanding the lifting of martial law, illustrating the chaotic political situation. Subsequently, on the 7th, a presidential impeachment motion was submitted to the National Assembly, but due to the collective walkout of People Power Party lawmakers, the vote was canceled, and the impeachment motion was automatically discarded.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
