"Ban on Gatherings, 'What Else Can We Do?'... Na Hoon-a's Harsh Criticism of Martial Law"

On the 7th, Revealed Feelings on Martial Law Situation at Performance
"They say gatherings are banned, I wondered what to do"

“They say gatherings are banned. I wondered what else could be done.”

Amid ongoing criticism in the entertainment industry regarding the ‘December 3 Emergency Martial Law Incident,’ it was recently revealed that singer Na Hoon-a voiced his harsh criticism during a concert held on the 7th.

Singer Na Hoon-a. KBS2

According to Sports World on the 15th, these remarks were made at Na Hoon-a’s retirement concert ‘2024 Thank You - Last Concert’ held at Daegu EXCO East Hall on the 7th. Na Hoon-a shared his feelings about the incident during the performance, which took place four days after President Yoon Suk-yeol’s declaration of emergency martial law and the National Assembly’s resolution to lift it, while singing the song ‘Gong (Empty).’

Na Hoon-a began, “A few nights ago, I stayed up all night. I was torn about whether to perform or not.” He continued, “They say gatherings are banned. I wondered what else could be done,” and lamented, “I saw the martial law lifted at dawn, had a drink, and then went to sleep.” Using his distinctive Gyeongsang-do dialect, he asked, “Where is the National Assembly building? Which way is Yongsan? Where is the ruling party, and where is the ruling party leader’s house?” which drew laughter from the audience. Afterwards, he said, “I gather my energy at the end of this fan,” and passionately sang the chorus of ‘Gong.’

After these remarks became known, netizens responded with comments such as “What else could be done? That was exactly how I felt,” “Everyone who saw the news that day probably couldn’t sleep,” “The dialect feels very familiar,” “So many performances were canceled,” and “I want to return to normal life soon.”

Meanwhile, Na Hoon-a recently announced his retirement plans. In July, through his agency, he said, “I thought I would feel bittersweet. But I feel neither relief nor sorrow. I intend to burn all the remaining spirit in my last performance, which marks the end of the path I have walked my whole life. I sincerely thank you.” Na Hoon-a is scheduled to meet his fans one last time at a concert in Seoul next January.