"Impact lasting for generations" — Fans react as SNU students play SNSD's 'Into The New World' calling for the resignation of South Korea's president

Students from Seoul National University staged a powerful demonstration calling for the resignation of President Yoon Suk-yeol by playing Girls’ Generation, aka SNSD’s, anthem, Into the New World, during a campus protest.

On December 5, 2024, the official X account of @AboutMusicYT posted a video clip of the symbolic gesture that was part of growing nationwide dissent following Yoon Suk-yeol’s controversial declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024. The protest added to the public outcry, with lawmakers and citizens demanding accountability and his immediate resignation.

Activists, including those at Seoul National University, have employed cultural and symbolic tactics, such as playing SNSD's Into the New World, to underline their vision of a democratic future.

The global K-pop fan community lauded the students of Seoul National University for using Girls’ Generation's Into the New World track for a positive cause. They underscored the 2nd-generation girl group's “impact,” which has been echoing through "generations." One fan wrote on X:

"Girls generation meaning generational impact.. impact lasting for generations."

Netizens stressed on Girls’ Generation's popularity and positive influence. Amidst nationwide unrest and upsurge, university students rallying peacefully in favor of President Yoon Suk-yeol's resignation using an old K-pop song highlighted Girls’ Generation's thought-provoking discography and lyrics.

"Bought awards and artificially inflated sales will never be more relevant than empowering and giving people hope through your music," one fan wrote.

"I’m literally tearing right now and all in goosebumps! Its so touching to see whenever Koreans face struggles they would protest singing ITNW. SNSD is the Number One Nation GG forever and their debut song is the Kpop anthem. They are the textbook and blueprint for a reason," another fan wrote.

"Girls’ generation, u will always be the nation’s girl group for a reason," one other fan added.

Several international fans praised South Korean citizens for protesting the right way.

"No matter the circumstances "into the new world" will always find a way to be played at a demonstration in korea," a fan remarked.

"One thing about Korean people is they know how to protest and they will. I love to see it," another fan emphasized.

"There will never be a kpop song with this level of impact and importance again, and def no debut," one other fan stressed.

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South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol's martial law declaration and its repercussions

On December 3, 2024, President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law, citing alleged threats from “anti-state elements” and “pro-North Korean forces.” The decree marked the first such action in South Korea since the 1980s. It authorized the deployment of troops to secure key government facilities, including the National Assembly, sparking outrage among lawmakers and citizens alike.

The martial law declaration was abruptly rescinded after just six hours at 4:27 AM on December 4, following significant pushback from the National Assembly and mass protests across Seoul.

The Guardian reported that the opposition parties filed a motion for impeachment, while public opinion polls revealed overwhelming disapproval of Yoon’s actions, with over 70% of respondents supporting his removal from office. Prosecutors launched an investigation into President Yoon Suk-yeol’s actions, with allegations of treason and insurrection dominating headlines.

Opposition parties accused the president of attempting a constitutional coup, with claims that he sought to suppress political dissent through military force. Senior military officials, including the Army chief, revealed during a National Assembly inquiry that they were unaware of the declaration until it was announced.

BBC reported that the National Police Agency also confirmed an ongoing investigation into President Yoon Suk-yeol for potential abuses of power. Several high-ranking officials linked to the martial law declaration, including the Deputy Defense Minister and special forces commanders, faced suspensions or resigned amidst mounting criticism.

The Korea Herald reported that President Yoon Suk-yeol’s approval ratings plummeted to historic lows, falling to 13%, while support for his ruling People Power Party dropped significantly.

Lawmakers across the political spectrum have intensified their demands for President Yoon Suk-yeol to step down. Opposition leaders described his actions as a grave violation of democratic principles, while protests, candlelight vigils, and student-led demonstrations continue to grow.

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South Korean celebrities like MONSTA X's IM, rapper and actress BIBI, comedian Park Myung-soo, actor Kim Gi-cheon, actress Kim Ji-woo, and superstar Gong Yoo expressed shock over President Yoo Suk-yeol's emergency declaration.

As investigations proceed and public discontent mounts, the future of President Yoon’s administration remains uncertain.