Stars Hold Candles Instead of Microphones Amid Political Turmoil

In the wake of the recent state of emergency declared by President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korean celebrities are taking a stand, opting to express their views with candles rather than microphones. As the entertainment industry feels the ripple effects of the political unrest, many stars are canceling performances and using their personal channels to voice their opinions.

On the night of December 3, as President Yoon announced the state of emergency, singer G-Dragon showed his support for writer Ha Sang-wook's critical post by liking a photo that read, 'Just please go away.' This action was interpreted as an endorsement of Ha's stance against the emergency measures.

Rapper E-Sens also made headlines with his candid remarks about the unprecedented declaration. On December 5, he posted on social media, expressing disbelief at the president's actions, stating, 'I’m just a fool who knows nothing about politics, but how can someone who declares martial law at dawn and threatens the people be our president? If this martial law goes unchecked, we would all be subject to censorship and punishment. I woke up in shock.'

In light of the ongoing chaos, some stars have chosen to step back from their public engagements. Major entertainment programs and dramas were canceled on December 6 and 7, and singer Jang Beom-jun announced the cancellation of his upcoming concert, emphasizing the need to pause and regroup until the situation stabilizes.

As the impeachment issue surrounding President Yoon intensifies, more celebrities are raising their voices. The National Assembly held a vote on the impeachment motion on the afternoon of December 7, coinciding with large-scale protests in Gwanghwamun and Yeouido.

Singer Lee Seung-yoon took to social media that day, expressing his frustration over the president's brief address regarding the state of emergency, stating, 'I really tried not to add more words, but to think that this matter can end with a simple apology without a sincere explanation about the rationale and context is quite uncomfortable for me as an ordinary citizen caught in this martial law.'

Singer Park Hye-kyung also voiced strong criticism, questioning, 'Is South Korea just the property of the ruling party? The citizens elected them to serve our interests, yet our opinions are ignored. What are they planning to do? I feel heartbroken and helpless.' She further asserted, 'South Korea was reclaimed by its people when it was taken away, and we have fought against invasions and restored democracy. This country does not belong to the ruling party; it belongs to the people.'

Actors are also joining the movement, with Go Min-si and Go Ah-sung posting candle emojis and images on their social media to reference the protests. Ko Hyun-jung and Moon Sung-keun have also expressed their agreement with public statements regarding the current political climate.