The state of martial law that was announced by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on December 3, 2024 is still in the public spotlight. Now, many are again highlighting Gong Yoo's old statement that he once admitted to being in awe of former President Park Chung Hee.
In a 2005 interview, Gong Yoo named his father, Michael Jordan , and former President Chung Hee as the people he admires the most. Although his reasons for admiring former President Chung Hee were not explained, netizens criticized his historical awareness.
Former President Chung Hee played a significant role in South Korea's rapid economic development. However, his rule was quite authoritarian as he seized power through a coup in 1961 and then ruled as a dictator.
Gong Yoo's past remarks resurfaced as former President Chung Hee was the one who triggered martial law in 1979. About 45 years ago, South Korea was forced to implement martial law after former President Chung Hee died from a gunshot wound.
At that time, martial law was imposed immediately after the "10.26 Incident", in which former President Chung Hee was assassinated, and was later expanded nationwide by the new military regime led by Chun Doo Hwan and Roh Tae Woo on May 17, 1980.
Now, a debate has arisen as many disagree that Gong Yoo admires former President Chung Hee. However, many defend the actor as they think that Gong Yoo might have changed his mind after dozens of years have passed.
" I don't know about this. I really dislike it. I wonder if he changed since then? [sic!] ," wrote one netizen. " Huh...?? But that was an interview in 2005 so maybe his mind has changed by now.... [sic!] ," added another.
" Right, I forgot about this. Bye[sic!] ," another netizen said. " But considering she mentioned the candlelight protest afterwards, doesn't that mean she changed her mind? Although, of course, the statement itself is not good[sic!] ," another added.
On the other hand, President Suk Yeol appeared on national television at around 10:25 p.m. KST. He declared martial law for the first time since 1979. For the next six hours, Koreans remained awake and vigilant throughout the night.
However, the martial law was soon ended as 190 out of 190 members of the National Assembly voted to block the martial law. President Suk Yeol eventually withdrew the military, and led a Cabinet meeting to approve the resolution to lift the martial law.
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