From KBS year-end awards to Dua Lipa’s concert: Check schedule as Entertainment industry announces resumption of events after martial law reversal

South Korean Entertainment industry was affected by political turbulence as President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law on December 3, 2024. This marked the first such event in 45 years. During the enforcement of the law, reports indicated that all entertainment sectors were instructed to suspend broadcasts and postpone any scheduled events.

This unprecedented move, overturned within six hours, disrupted various sectors, including entertainment. With martial law lifted, the entertainment industry is currently readjusting its plans, with some events resuming as scheduled and others being postponed out of caution.

The situation led to the cancellation of several planned events on December 4 like a photo call event featuring actor Kim Soo-hyun, STAYC's Sieun, and WJSN's Yeoreum. Meanwhile, broadcasters such as KBS and SBS have confirmed that their year-end award ceremonies will proceed as originally scheduled without any alterations.

The law came against a backdrop of intense political strife. The martial law declaration which cited alleged anti-state activities, was met with public outrage and opposition.

Lawmakers forced the revocation of the decree in a historic parliamentary session, while protesters in Seoul continue to demand President Yoon’s resignation.

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Changes in schedules of the South Korean entertainment sector: events postponed or rescheduled

The sudden proclamation of martial law, the first in 45 years, disrupted numerous scheduled events across television, music, and film. While the decree was revoked within six hours, its effects lingered, with some events proceeding as planned and others postponed out of caution.

Here is a list of events as of now that are either rescheduled or canceled:

Event cancellations:

• The photo call event with Kim Soo Hyun, STAYC's Sieun, and WJSN's Yeoreum as attendees.
• Jo Malone London’s pop-up store event, set to feature celebrities.

Television programming changes:

• South Korean morning shows such as KBS 1TV’s Morning Forum, MBC’s Live Today Morning, and SBS’s Good Morning were pulled off-air.
• Special news broadcasts replaced regular programming on several channels.

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Events proceeding as planned

Despite the disruptions, several high-profile events are moving forward:

• KBS year-end awards: As per a South Korean media outlet, Star News, the officials confirmed that all scheduled ceremonies will proceed without changes. This includes the 2024 KBS Song Festival on December 20, the KBS Entertainment Awards on December 21, and the KBS Drama Awards on December 31.
• Dua Lipa’s South Korea concerts: The global pop star's performances on December 4 and 5 remain unaffected, with her team closely monitoring the situation.

• Jang Bum-joon’s concerts: The singer assured fans that his shows on December 4 and 5 at Hyundai Card Understage would go ahead, urging attendees to remain informed and cautious amid political uncertainty.
• Film screenings: Previews of The Crow and These Trivial Things at Seoul’s Yongsan theaters are proceeding as initially planned. Distributors stated that no directives to halt events had been received.

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South Korea is gradually stabilizing after the brief but impactful declaration of martial law by President Yoon Suk-yeol on December 3. As the entertainment industry cautiously resumes, it serves as a microcosm of the nation’s efforts to regain stability while navigating uncertain times.