South Korea’s political system is in turmoil, but that didn’t stop Dua Lipa dancing the night away in Seoul on Wednesday night.
Earlier on 4 December, promoter Live Nation confirmed that the British pop star’s show would go ahead at the Gocheok Sky Dome, as president Yoon Suk Yeol faced impeachment after plunging his country into chaos over his short-lived bid to impose martial law.
“Nothing else matters. Tonight, it’s just me and you — us,” the “Don’t Start Now” singer told the crowd during her concert. The 29-year-old’s live performances are typically accompanied by high-octane dance routines, light shows and smoke effects.
Dua Lipa also scheduled to perform her Radical Optimism tour at the same venue on Thursday (December 5).
The announcement came hours after Mr Yoon reversed his declaration of martial law, which is the replacement of a country’s civilian government with military rule.
It suspends standard civilian liberties and according to the South Korean constitution, a president may declare martial law when “required to cope with a military necessity or to maintain the public safety and order by mobilization of the military forces in time of war, armed conflict or similar national emergency.”
He initially called for martial law to go into effect as a means 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.”
Protesters immediately gathered at Gwanghwamun Square and outside the national assembly, holding placards with messages such as “Restore Democracy” and “Investigate his act of rebellion immediately.”
Mr Yoon’s declaration was quickly denounced by the opposition and the leader of his own party.
New CCTV footage revealed chaotic scenes in South Korea’s parliament after the martial law declaration. Staffers used sofas and fire extinguishers to block soldiers armed with assault rifles and night-vision goggles from entering the national assembly, the footage showed.
Helicopters deployed armed troops to parliament, while others scaled fences and smashed windows after midnight, assembly secretary general Kim Min-ki said.
Parliament then voted through a motion calling the declaration invalid. This was the first time in over four decades that the country had been put under martial law.
Mr Yoon is now facing calls to resign or face impeachment.
“I regret what happened today,” said Han Dong Hoon, leader of the ruling People Power Party to which Mr Yoon belongs. “Exercise of military police and other government authority is illegal now that the resolution for the nullification of the martial law has passed.”
Korean singers Lee Seung Hwan and Jang Bum Joon also continued with their planned concerts this week, with the latter posting a message of encouragement on his YouTube channel: “Let’s all do our best today to protect our precious daily lives. Given the country’s turbulent situation, I won’t be posting anything for the next two days. Stay informed with the news, and I’ll see you at the concert.”
