Korean entertainment on ‘high alert’: Martial law freezes K-pop concerts, fan meetings and drama productions | World news

Meanwhile, South Korea’s lucrative entertainment industry has been plunged into uncertainty, with numerous events already canceled and more expected in the near future. According to a report by 10Asia, the industry is now on “high alert” as it deals with the implications of the statement. (Read also: Martial law in South Korea LIVE: Parliament rejects the president’s statement and the crowd protests)

Korean NCD industry freezes under martial law

All media and publications in South Korea are now subject to martial law. Major entertainment agencies, and potentially smaller ones as well, have issued emergency notices warning their artists to avoid attending any events scheduled in the coming days or weeks until the situation stabilizes.

Also read: Why has South Korea declared martial law? Everything you need to know

Martial law places strict restrictions on public gatherings and gatherings, which may explain the growing concerns. An industry expert commented that “organizing events under these conditions could cause unforeseen complications,” confirming the detrimental impact on the sector. Big agencies are said to be in emergency mode.

Are K-pop’s year-ends on the verge of cancellations?

The recent declaration of martial law, following accusations that opposition parties disrupted parliamentary proceedings to create a national crisis, has disrupted South Korea’s entertainment scene. Concerns are growing about the fate of year-end concerts and other scheduled events, including mid-production dramas, with some describing it as the industry’s worst crisis during this critical period.

Private events like fan gatherings and concerts face a lot of uncertainty, leaving entertainment companies scrambling to come up with backup plans. Since martial law was last enforced in 1980, there aren’t really any recent examples of how to deal with this type of situation. A agency The CEO described the scenario as an “extreme emergency” and noted, “We are monitoring the situation in real time,” Allkpop reports.

Latest development: Parliament votes to challenge the president

Just hours after martial law was enacted, to suppress “shameless anti-state pro-North Korean” elements, parliament voted to annul the declaration. Outside the National Assembly, police clashed with protesters, while inside, heightened security surrounded lawmakers. and staff, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik called martial law “invalid,” citing that lawmakers “will protect democracy together with the people,” the Associated Press reported.

“I declare martial law “To protect the free Republic of Korea from the threat of the communist forces of North Korea, 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” said the president. by declaring martial law.

Under South Korean law, martial law can be revoked by a majority vote in parliament.