G-Dragon draws attention by liking an online post seemingly criticizing President Yoon Suk-Yeol’s martial law declaration

South Korean rapper G-Dragon made headlines online after he allegedly liked a social media post seemingly criticizing President Yoon Suk-yeol's abrupt martial law declaration.

On December 4, 2024, the Power rapper liked a social media post shared by poet Ha Sang-wook. The sentence from the post was a line from his poetry collection, Lying in Bed Without Turning Off the Lights.

The sentence read:

“Just go away on your own, please.”

The post was devoid of any indication of it being a criticism towards the South Korean President's emergency declaration. However, some netizens assumed otherwise and speculated G-Dragon's alleged disapproval of the nationwide unrest.

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South Korea’s president declares martial law amidst political turmoil, inciting mass public outrage

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law on the evening of December 3, 2024, citing alleged "anti-state activities" by the opposition Democratic Party (DP). The declaration plunged the country into chaos, with widespread protests and public outcry against what many view as an authoritarian overreach.

The Diplomat reported that President Yoon Suk-yeol, who represents the conservative People Power Party, accused the DP, which holds a majority in the National Assembly, of "plotting sedition." He accused the opposition party of acting against the state by obstructing government functions, such as passing the national budget and impeaching cabinet members.

President Yoon Suk-yeol further alleged that the opposition harbored pro-North Korean sympathies, though he provided no concrete evidence to substantiate these claims. In a televised statement, President Yoon Suk-yeol justified the move as necessary to "protect the free constitutional order" and "eradicate" anti-state forces.

"I declare martial law to protect the free Republic of Korea from the threat of North Korean communist forces, to eradicate the despicable pro-North Korean, anti-state forces that are plundering the freedom and happiness of our people, and to protect the free constitutional order."

He also imposed severe restrictions, including bans on political activities, protests, and media operations under military oversight. Additionally, violators risk detention and warrantless searches. The DP leader, Lee Jae-myung, called the martial law declaration a “reckless abuse of power” and vowed to resist.

"Tanks, armored vehicles, and soldiers with guns and swords will soon control the country," Jae-myung said.

The martial law declaration also drew reactions from South Korea’s influential entertainment industry. Rapper BIBI, MONSTA X’s IM, entertainer Park Myung-soo, actor Kim Gi-cheon, and more celebrities took to social media to voice their concerns.

The declaration was met with immediate protests in Seoul and other cities. Thousands marched to the National Assembly, where opposition lawmakers convened an emergency session.

Demonstrators accused President Yoon Suk-yeol of attempting a coup and undermining South Korea’s hard-earned democracy, which transitioned from military rule in 1987.

Lawmakers quickly passed a resolution demanding the repeal of the military authoritarian rule, which, under the constitution, should override the president’s order. Over 190 politicians marched toward the Parliament and jumped off the barricades with the help of citizens to cast their vote against martial law.

The Diplomat reported that President Yoon Suk-yeol’s approval ratings, which were already at a historic low of 19% before the declaration, have plummeted further. The opposition has accused the president of orchestrating a political crisis to distract from corruption scandals involving his administration and family.

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By the early hours of December 4, 2024, at 4:30 am (KST), under mounting domestic and international pressure, President Yoon Suk-yeol announced the lifting of martial law and ordered military troops to withdraw.

While this marked a temporary de-escalation, the political crisis remains unresolved, with calls for Yoon Suk-yeol’s impeachment growing louder.