[SC Issue] Actor Gong Yoo, who revealed his political leanings over two decades ago, is drawing attention again in connection with President Yoon Suk-yeol’s controversial declaration of martial law. There is interest in whether Gong Yoo will address his past remarks during an interview today (5th).
Recently, an online community revisited Gong Yoo’s 2005 interview where he revealed his ‘political leanings,’ which has reignited criticism from netizens. At that time, when asked about the three men he found most admirable, Gong Yoo named ‘my father, Michael Jordan, and Park Chung-hee.’ With President Yoon’s martial law declaration controversy, these remarks have come under scrutiny again, leading to suspicions that Gong Yoo supports ‘dictatorial regimes’ and ‘martial law.’
Some people are questioning Gong Yoo’s understanding of history and political leanings and are demanding an explanation. Park Chung-hee, whom Gong Yoo mentioned, served as South Korea’s 5th through 9th president and is considered one of the most influential figures in modern Korean history. He is a symbol of the ‘military dictatorship’ that severely impaired the country’s democracy, leading ‘fear politics’ and corruption, making him one of the worst-rated presidents in history.
President Yoon’s martial law declaration is the first in 45 years since the death of Park Chung-hee, drawing significant public backlash. On the night of December 3rd, President Yoon, during an emergency address as late as 10:25 PM, declared martial law, leaving the nation in shock. He cited political paralysis and called the situation a ‘clear anti-state act conspiring for insurrection,’ criticizing the opposition’s misconduct.
Following the martial law declaration, around 280 martial law troops were deployed to the National Assembly over two occasions, causing nationwide panic. Details emerged of the National Assembly’s outer gates being sealed, barring entry to lawmakers and staff. The Ministry of National Defense mobilized approximately 230 armed troops with helicopters into the Assembly complex shortly before midnight on December 3rd, with an additional 50 troops entering by scaling the walls. Images of the troops breaking windows to enter the Assembly were broadcast live, both domestically and internationally.
The martial law was lifted after a cabinet meeting at 4:30 AM on December 4th, but public discontent remains high. The entertainment industry has also voiced outrage. Figures like writer Heo Ji-woong and actors Kim Ji-woo and Kim Ki-chun have expressed their disbelief and criticism, with related posts gaining widespread attention.
Amidst this environment, Gong Yoo’s remarks from 20 years ago have resurfaced as a hot topic. As Gong Yoo is set to have an interview regarding his upcoming Netflix series ‘Trunk’ today near Samcheong-dong, there is keen interest in how he will handle the sensitive situation surrounding his past statements.
Reporter Jo Ji-young [[email protected]]