British-Albanian singer Dua Lipa performs during the 39th annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland on October 19. AP Yonhap

By Pyo Kyung-min

Concerts across Korea are going ahead as planned after a brief period of uncertainty following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s surprise declaration and subsequent lifting of martial law. Both international and domestic artists have confirmed that their shows will go ahead without interruption.

British-Albanian pop star Dua Lipa’s next two days of concerts at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul’s Guro District will go ahead as planned, on both Wednesday and Thursday. Although no changes were announced, Live Nation Korea, the event’s organizer, said it was “carefully monitoring the situation to ensure clear communication” and leaving room for possible adjustments if necessary.

The show, which last took place in Korea in May 2018, is Lipa’s first solo concert in the country in more than six years.

Japanese pop duo YOASOBI also confirmed that their concerts will take place as planned on December 7th and 8th at the Inspire Arena on Yeongjong Island in Incheon. Promoter LIVET reassured fans in an official statement, saying: “This week’s live events will go ahead as planned. Merchandise announcements will also be released today.”

J-pop duo YOASOBI / Courtesy of LIVET

Domestic artists also followed suit, with many reaffirming their commitment to adhering to performance schedules.

Veteran singer Lee Seung-hwan announced on social media on Wednesday that his small theater concert series “Like A Black And White Movie” will go ahead as planned.

The concert series, held at the Gurumare Theater in Seoul’s Mapo district, began on Tuesday. Although Wednesday’s performance was initially canceled following the declaration of martial law, it resumed after the state of emergency was lifted.

“After martial law is lifted, the show will go on as planned. We apologize for any confusion caused,” Lee wrote. “On this momentous day, I look forward to connecting through deeper stories and music.”

Singer-songwriter Jang Beom-june also confirmed that his weekday performances at Hyundai Card UNDERSTAGE in Seoul’s Yongsan District will continue as planned until December 19.

Singer Jang Beom-June / Korea Times file

Addressing fans on his YouTube channel, he wrote: “Let us all do our best to protect our precious daily lives. Given the current state of the nation, I will not be posting any updates for the next few days. See you at the concert!” “

The unrest began late Tuesday evening when President Yoon declared martial law, citing the need to protect the country from threats posed by “pro-North Korean communist forces.” In the surprise speech, Yoon vowed to protect South Korea’s democracy and eliminate groups he described as “anti-state factions.”

Lawmakers acted quickly and the National Assembly voted unanimously early Wednesday morning to adopt a resolution lifting martial law. The Cabinet officially approved the decision at 4:30 a.m. the same day, ending the six-hour state of emergency.