Find out what Martial Law is and how it impacts k-pop

The South Korean president Yoon Seok Yeol declared Martial Law in South Korea this Tuesday, 3rd, in the early hours of Wednesday, 4th, in the Asian country. According to information from G1, the leader argued that he seeks to “cleanse” supporters of North Korea who are in the country.

The opposition, however, accuses the president of using the conflict with the North Koreans to control Parliament. Moments after the decree, deputies of the National Assembly called an emergency session in Parliament, unanimously approving the repeal of Martial Law. The situation remains ongoing.

With the repercussion of the decree, many fans of South Korean culture began to ask themselves: how could martial law affect K-pop and K-dramas? RECREIO explains it to you!

Martial Law

First of all, you need to understand what Martial Law is. As described by G1, Article 77 of the Constitution of South Korea points out that the president can declare Martial Law in the country “when it is necessary to meet a military requirement or maintain security and public order by mobilizing armed forces in times of war , armed conflict or similar national emergency”.

The military decree published by the Commander of Martial Law, General of the Army, Park An-suhighlights the following measures that come into force after imposition:

• All political activities, including those of the National Assembly, local councils, political parties, political associations, demonstrations and protests, are prohibited;
• All acts that deny or attempt to overthrow the liberal democratic system are prohibited, as well as the dissemination of fake news, manipulation of public opinion and false propaganda;
• All media and publications will be under the control of the Martial Law Command;
• Strikes, strikes and protests that incite social chaos are prohibited;
• All medical personnel, including doctors in training, who are on strike or have left the medical sector must return to work within 48 hours and perform their duties faithfully. Those who violate this rule will be punished in accordance with Martial Law;
• Innocent ordinary citizens, with the exception of anti-state forces and other subversive elements, will be subject to measures to minimize disruption to their daily lives.

How does Martial Law affect entertainment?

As per the military decree, with Martial Law, all media came under government control. According to information released by the South Korean portal Ten Asia, the government would also be contacting the country’s main entertainment agencies not to send their artists to any type of event from December 4th.

The vehicle also points out that events scheduled for the next few days would also be canceled. The famous awards at the end of the year now have their achievements uncertain.

In addition, the Chosun Daily newspaper also reported that military personnel were reportedly receiving notifications that soldier discharges would be temporarily suspended. As a result, K-pop idols and other celebrities are no longer expected to return to their activities.

Among the k-pop idols currently serving in the army, it is possible to mention RM, V, Jungkook, Jiminand Suga (BTS); Sehun and Kai (EXO); Taeyong and Jaehyun (NCT); Jay, Chanwoo, Bobby (iKON); Jeonghan (SEVENTEEN); Jooheon, Hyungwon and Kihyun (MONSTA X); between others.

As reported by G1, the Constitution of South Korea states that, if the majority of members of the National Assembly vote in favor of the end of Martial Law, the president must accept the decision.

Also according to information released by the newspaper Chosun, during the emergency session in Parliament held this Tuesday, the 3rd, the request for the suspension of Martial Law was unanimously approved by all 190 deputies present. In a statement, the Office of the Speaker of the National Assembly said: “Following the approval of the resolution to lift martial law, the declaration of martial law is invalid.”