Korean stars and filmmakers have called for the removal of President Yoon Suk Yeol
Major Korean stars and filmmakers united together to express their disagreement against President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law. They signed a petition demanding his resignation.
The South Korean entertainment industry took a bold stance and called for the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol following his controversial martial law declaration on December 3. Recalling South Korea’s pre-democracy struggles under military rule. South Korean president survives impeachment vote. However, it is the Hallyu stars who rose to the occasion and led by example.
On December 7, 2024, 77 film organizations, including the Directors Guild of Korea and the Producers Guild of Korea, together with 2,518 entertainment professionals, signed a petition condemning Yoon’s actions. The petition, supported by prominent figures such as Bong Joon Ho (Parasite), Son Ye Jin (Crash Landing on You) and Moon So Ri (Quinteers), called Yoon “guilty of treason” and called for his suspension, impeachment, and criminal record. Arrest.
Signatories who have taken a public stance against Yoon’s administration include Son Ye Jin, Han Ji-min, Kim Go-eun, Kim So-hyun, Park Yoon-bin, Jun Ji-hyun, and Kang Dong Won. Youth of May’s actor Go Min Si and K-pop stars Hyeju and Luna’s Yves shared their support via social media, and emphasized their responsibility as citizens to voice dissent. Actor Nam Eun-su also shared his support for the protests.
During the protest, songs like Whiplash by Espa, Fire by BTS, Crooked by G-Dragon were played and K-pop fans took out their idol sticks to create the impact.
South Korean citizens remix Espa’s ‘Whiplash’ as they protest in front of the National Assembly, demanding the impeachment of President Yoon. pic.twitter.com/XabXt6tyGA
– Pop Base (@PopBase) 6 December 2024
The political turmoil also affected the entertainment landscape. Networks such as MBC, SBS and Channel A postponed major programs including When the Phone Rings and The Fiery Priest 2 to accommodate breaking news coverage.
The petition accused Yoon of violating constitutional law, subverting government systems, and endangering democracy. “The once-famous Korean Wave has fallen apart under this administration,” it says. Yun is the greatest threat to the Republic of Korea.”
To address the backlash, President Yoon issued an apology acknowledging the suddenness of his martial law declaration before the impeachment vote began. The proposal failed despite strong public dissatisfaction, which was expected to intensify public protests in South Korea.