As the aftermath of the martial law crisis ripples through South Korea, celebrities are stepping forward to voice their convictions.
Actress Go Hyun Jung expressed her support for a declaration addressing the martial law issue by commenting on a post by director Byun Young Joo. On December 7, Byun shared a statement written by the 22nd graduating class of Ewha Womans University’s Political Science and International Relations department.
Alongside the post, she wrote, "No matter what tomorrow brings, stand strong and uphold your dignity." The statement appealed for the protection of peace, declaring, "Our peace is still as young as our youth. We cannot tolerate the loss of any more peers. We earnestly plead for the preservation of youth, the green spring, and Seoul’s spring." Go Hyun Jung added a candle emoji in the comments, showing solidarity with the students' declaration.
Actress Go Min Si lit a candle through her personal account on this day. She posted a brief message saying "3 o'clock" along with a candle emoji, indirectly referencing the 'National Candlelight March.'
Go Min Si previously appeared in the 2021 KBS2 Monday-Tuesday drama Youth of May. Set against the backdrop of Gwangju during the expanded martial law period in May 1980, the drama featured Go Min Si in the role of nurse Kim Myung Hee, where she delivered a compelling performance.
Actress Go Ah Sung also joined the movement by sharing a photo of Yeouido, where a candlelight rally for President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment was held. On her personal account, she wrote, "Not because I hate Korea (X), but because I need to save Korea (O)," referencing the title of her recent movie,Because I Hate Korea. Her post included a view of the 63 Building, a landmark in Yeouido.
Earlier, on December 3 at 10:25 PM, President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in a national address but rescinded it six hours later following demands from the National Assembly. In a second national address on December 7 at 10:00 AM, Yoon apologized, stating, "The declaration of martial law stemmed from my desperation as the ultimate responsible figure for state affairs. However, it caused anxiety and inconvenience to the public. I deeply apologize to those who were alarmed." He further emphasized, "I will not evade legal or political accountability for this decision, and I assure you there will be no repeat of such measures."
Meanwhile, the National Assembly convened a plenary session to vote on President Yoon's impeachment motion and a special prosecutor bill to investigate First Lady Kim Keon Hee. However, after voting on the special prosecutor bill, most People Power Party members, except Rep. Ahn Cheol Soo, left the chamber, effectively boycotting the impeachment vote. Consequently, the impeachment motion fell short of the required two-thirds majority (200 seats), rendering it effectively void.
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