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Korean celebrities speak out against President Park
Entertainers call for Park’s resignation, amid enthusiastic support from public.
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In this picture, actor Lee Joon stands among other South Korean citizens in the mass rally at Gwanghwamun last week. Stars who had previously remained politically neutral -- such as actress Kim Yoo-jung, former K-pop group Kara member Han Seung-yeon and singer-actor Lee Joon -- have also begun speaking up. (Lee Joon's Instagram/File)
K
orean celebrities are actively joining in the protest against President Park Geun-hye, who is embroiled in a scandal for allegedly leaking state documents and coercing funds from businesses.
Some of them have taken to the streets to attend mass rallies, while others are voicing their support on social media.
Among them are entertainers who have long been outspoken against the conservative administration. But stars who had previously remained politically neutral -- such as actress Kim Yoo-jung, former K-pop group Kara member Han Seung-yeon and singer-actor Lee Joon -- have also begun speaking up.
The fifth anti-Park rally Saturday saw a host of celebrities protesting at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul.
(Read also: Korean professors unite against President Park)
Singer Yang Hee-eun, an icon of Korean folk music, participated from 8 p.m. and sang her hit songs, including “Morning Dew” and “Evergreen Tree” to enthusiastic cheers from the crowd, who sang along.
The legendary 64-year-old songstress has a history of friction with the authorities. “Morning Dew,” a track on her 1971 debut album, was banned for no specific reason in 1975 by the government at the time, led by President Park Jung-hee, the incumbent president’s father. There were speculations that the song’s lyrics, which describe the rising sun over a graveyard, could be interpreted as symbolizing a new era of leadership.
Since then, “Morning Dew” has become symbolic of resistance. Korean singers have reportedly been threatened in the past for publicly performing the song.
Actor Cha In-pyo was also spotted in Gwanghwamun on Saturday.
“The people have united and are voicing one opinion (calling for the resignation of President Park). But it’s frustrating that nothing is changing. One thing that’s for sure is that the abnormal cannot overcome what’s normal. Abnormal incidents have taken over, but we cannot let them destroy our lives,” he told Yonhap News Agency in an interview.
(Read also: Things to know about South Korean scandal)
Outspoken liberal comedian Kim Je-dong, who has been attending the Gwanghwamun rallies, was spotted in Daegu, President Park’s hometown, Saturday.
Kim called for Park’s criminal prosecution in front of some 30,000 protesters in the city’s downtown Jungang-ro.
“The Korean Constitution states that the president is immune to criminal prosecution except in cases of rebellion or treason,” he said. Kim argued that Park’s leaking of confidential state information to her civilian confidante Choi Soon-sil is tantamount to the stipulated crimes.
The 42-year-old comedian was formerly one of the country’s most sought-after TV hosts, receiving the top prize at the KBS Entertainment Awards in 2006. His onscreen career has seen a sharp decline since then, and various media industry personnel have suggested this is the result of political censorship for his left-leaning views, though producers and broadcasting networks have denied such accusations.
Kim is now in his sixth year of giving onstage “talk concerts,” where he chats live with the audience on issues ranging from personal relationships and life goals to politics.
Other celebrities spotted at past weekend rallies include rockers Lee Seung-hwan and Jeon In-kwon, comedienne Kim Mi-hwa and actor couple Lee Ki-woo and Lee Chung-ah.
(Read also: Political scandal brings Gil Ra-im role back to spotlight)
Many others have also supported the movement online and via social media, including news anchor Son Min-ah, singer Solbi and actress Kim Kyu-ri, rapper Cheetah, writer Heo Ji-woong, actors Yoo Ah-in and Shin Hyun-joon, actresses Nam Bo-rah and Kim Hyo-jin, and singer Kim Dong-wan.
Last week, actor Jung Woo-sung yelled “Park Geun-hye, come forward!” at a meeting with fans, parodying a line from his recent movie, “Asura: The City of Madness,” a thriller about corrupt governmental powers.
The public seems supportive of the vocal entertainers. “We appreciate your courage and hope you do not receive any disadvantages for your conviction,” read one comment on actor Yoo Ah-in’s Instagram post, which depicted American activist Nina Simone saying, “An artist’s duty, as far as I’m concerned, is to reflect the times.”
Other comments read, “Thank you for using your influence to contribute to a better world.”
Some commenters even chastised celebrities who uploaded photos of parties or gatherings -- including K-pop group Big Bang’s Seungri, who posted a photo of a home party with fellow YG Entertainment stars -- on Nov. 11. “Now is not a time for partying,” a comment said.
This article appeared on The Korea Herald newspaper website, which is a member of Asia News Network and a media partner of The Jakarta Post
