"As an artist, my voice matters too" — Former IZ*ONE member Chaeyeon seemingly takes a dig at Lim Young Woong’s response to martial law

On December 9, 2024, Maeil Business Newspaper highlighted public figures' reactions to South Korea's recent martial law declaration, including comments from former IZ*ONE member Lee Chaeyeon. The martial law, announced by President Yoon Suk-yeol, faced strong public and parliamentary opposition and was quickly rescinded.

Chaeyeon's remarks were seen as criticism of both the president's actions and singer Lim Young Woong's neutrality during the crisis. Earlier, on December 7, The Korea Times reported that Lim faced criticism for posting a picture of his dog's birthday on Instagram when asked by a fan about his stance on the situation.

In response, the singer said:

"What? Why should I speak up? I’m not a politician."

Lim Young Woong, a prominent figure in Korean entertainment, faced criticism for what some viewed as a vague or noncommittal stance on the impeachment process and the broader political turmoil.

Following this, former IZ*ONE member Chaeyeon’s comments, made during a social media interaction, seemingly appeared to question Lim Young Woong’s response to the unfolding events. While she refrained from explicitly naming him, her remarks about the responsibility of influential figures to address national issues resonated with many netizens.

Some interpreted this as a subtle criticism of Lim Young Woong’s earlier statements. As quoted by South Korean journalist, Ahn Jung-yoon, for Wikitree, Chaeyeon said:

“What position qualifies someone to talk about politics? As a citizen, I'll speak up whenever I want. As an artist, my voice matters too. Thank you for your concern, but let’s work toward a better world where we can live and love freely.”

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President Yoon Suk-yeol’s martial law declaration and its aftermath

South Korea's President Yoon Suk-yeol narrowly survived an impeachment vote on December 7, 2024, following widespread public outrage and political turmoil sparked by his controversial declaration of martial law earlier in the month.

BBC reported that opposition parties failed to secure the two-thirds majority needed to impeach President Yoon Suk-yeol, as ruling party lawmakers largely boycotted the vote. On December 3, President Yoon declared martial law in a late-night address, citing "anti-state activities" allegedly led by the opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK).

Al Jazeera reported that he accused the DPK of paralyzing the government and collaborating with pro-North Korean forces to destabilize the country. This unprecedented move, the first martial law declaration in South Korea since the 1980s, granted the military temporary authority to suppress dissent and secure key government institutions.

The martial law order was rescinded at 4:27 AM on December 4, 2024, following mass protests in Seoul and other cities. Demonstrators wielded light sticks, reminiscent of South Korea’s iconic pro-democracy candlelight protests, calling for President Yoon Suk-yeol’s resignation.

On December 5, 2024, Reuters reported that the announcement came amid heightened political tensions. The opposition submitted impeachment motions against senior officials, rejecting the government’s 2025 budget, and increasing scrutiny of the president’s administration.

President Yoon Suk-yeol’s declaration of martial law was investigated, with prosecutors reportedly examining whether the order constituted treason or an abuse of power.

On December 7, BBC reported that President Yoon Suk-yeol issued a public apology, acknowledging the hardship and confusion caused by his martial law declaration. He vowed to restore public trust but stopped short of resigning.

"I am very sorry and would like to sincerely apologize to the people who were shocked. Regarding the declaration of martial law, I will not avoid any legal or political responsibility."

On December 7, after the President apologized, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo suggested curtailing the president’s executive authority moving forward, proposing that day-to-day responsibilities be delegated to other government officials to reduce political tensions.

BBC reported that People Power Party (PPP) leader Han Dong-hoon of the President's party stated that Prime Minister Han Duck-soo would spearhead the government affairs instead of the President. He added:

"The President will not be involved in any state affairs including diplomacy before his exit."

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Al Jazeera reported on December 9, 2024, that President Yoon Suk-yeol has been placed under a travel ban and prohibited from leaving the country by the Justice Ministry. Demands for his resignation continue to intensify.