Last update:December 4, 2024 3:49 PM IST

In an overnight move, the South Korean government has imposed martial law across the country, crippling the Korean entertainment industry.

Singer Lee Seung Hwan resumes his concert after the South Korean president lifted martial law. (Image credit: X)

In a shocking statement, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law for the country in a televised emergency address on December 3rd. While the announcement sparked nationwide unrest, it also caused turmoil in the entertainment sector as scheduled programs and performances were canceled.

In addition to media outlets and publications, entertainment agencies, including smaller ones, have also issued emergency notices asking artists to avoid attending events in the coming days or until the situation stabilizes. In this context, singer Lee Seung Hwan canceled his concerts that had been postponed for December 3rd.

Hours later, however, martial law was lifted amid strong rebukes and numerous protests. Therefore, K-Pop also announced that the concerts would take place as planned and without any changes to the schedule.

On the morning of December 4th, the singer confirmed on his social media platform that there would be no changes to the concert schedule. “After the lifting of martial law, ‘Like a Black and White Movie’ will continue as planned. I apologize for the confusion. “I have a lot to say today and look forward to meeting you with deeper stories and songs,” he wrote, as quoted by Allkpop.

He had previously announced the cancellation of concerts scheduled for December 4 and 5, adding that tickets would be fully refunded and further details would be announced soon.

It is worth mentioning that Lee Seung Hwa has started his concert series Like a Black and White Movie, which is scheduled to take place from December 3rd to 5th. Further performances will follow from December 17th to 19th at the Under the Cloud Theater in Mapo, Seoul. While the December 3 concert went as planned, the declaration left the remaining concerts uncertain.

South Korea’s martial law

In a late-night decision on December 3, the South Korean president imposed emergency law around 11 p.m., but it was lifted a few hours later after the National Assembly held a plenary session and passed a resolution to lift it. At approximately 4:30 a.m. on December 4, the President announced the lifting of martial law in a statement. He explained the decision as a necessary step to protect liberal democracy and counter threats from North Korea. During his televised announcement, Yoon Suk Yeol described the opposition as “shameless pro-North Korean anti-state forces” and claimed that they are plundering citizens’ freedom and happiness.

While martial law has nearly brought the Korean entertainment industry to a halt in the meantime, the fate of year-end events, including planned concerts, theater performances, fan meetings and others, is still uncertain.