As I was winding down for the day, messages started pouring in from family and friends.

December 3, 2024, 10:30 PM: Martial Law Declared in South Korea.

“What’s happening at this hour?”

President Yoon Suk-yeol delivered an emergency live address, announcing the implementation of martial law at 11:00 PM. Videos of helicopters near the National Assembly and military vehicles in central Seoul began circulating.

Shortly after, major online platforms like Naver experienced widespread outages.

“Why can’t I access the major communities?”

“Why was martial law declared?”

Checking online news, I found that President Yoon justified martial law with the need to “eradicate pro-North forces and protect constitutional order.”

“Pro-North forces? Does this mean war with North Korea?”

“What’s going on?”

Someone shared a YouTube livestream, showing:

• Lawmakers unable to enter the National Assembly, protesting outside.
• Physical clashes between soldiers and civilians.
• Footage of military personnel breaking windows to access the National Assembly building.
• “This is serious… The National Assembly must quickly repeal martial law.”

At 1:00 AM, the National Assembly unanimously passed a resolution to repeal martial law, with all 190 lawmakers present voting in favor. Only then could I sleep.

The Aftermath of Martial Law

This brief declaration of martial law left South Korea with significant political and economic repercussions.
While the bipartisan effort to quickly repeal it was commendable, the situation caused notable disruptions:

• Currency Volatility: The KRW/USD exchange rate surged to 1,440.
• Cryptocurrency Market Crash: Domestic crypto exchanges went offline for over an hour, leading to a 40% drop in major coin values due to panic selling.
• Political Fallout: Opposition parties filed treason charges against President Yoon and key officials while initiating impeachment procedures.

Social media, particularly among younger generations, exploded with memes mocking the president. Many questioned the necessity and legitimacy of the martial law declaration. The public is still waiting for clear explanations regarding its justification.

The provided text is quite lengthy and detailed. Below is an English translation focusing on key points. If you need specific sections expanded or translated entirely, let me know.

Martial Law in South Korea’s History

What is Martial Law?

Martial law refers to the enforcement of strengthened governmental powers during a state of national emergency. It grants the military authority over administrative and security functions, limiting constitutional rights such as freedom of speech and assembly. Martial law is typically declared in cases of war, internal rebellion, or extreme national crises.

1. South Korea’s First Martial Law

1948 Yeosu-Suncheon Incident: On October 19, 1948, soldiers of the 14th Regiment in Yeosu staged a rebellion. The government declared martial law across South Jeolla Province from October 25, 1948, to February 5, 1949.

2. 1948 Jeju 4.3 Uprising

Public discontent grew following harsh crackdowns on demonstrations. On April 3, 1948, leftist armed groups attacked government facilities, prompting martial law from November 17 to December 31, 1948.

3. 1950 Korean War

On June 25, 1950, as North Korea invaded, President Syngman Rhee declared nationwide martial law, which remained in effect until the war’s end.

4. May 25, 1952, Busan Political Crisis

Martial law was declared across 23 cities and counties in Busan, South Gyeongsang Province, South Jeolla Province, and North Jeolla Province.

5. 1960 April 19 Revolution

On March 15, 1960, nationwide protests erupted in response to election fraud by the Syngman Rhee administration. On April 19, 1960, President Rhee declared martial law in Seoul. However, the protests continued, and violent crackdowns by police resulted in numerous casualties.
Ultimately, President Rhee resigned, leading to the repeal of martial law.

Martial Law Period: April 19, 1960 – April 27, 1960

6. 1961 May 16 Coup

On May 16, 1961, Park Chung-hee led a military coup, declaring martial law nationwide. It remained in place until December 17, 1963, consolidating military rule.

7. June 3, 1964, June 3 Protest

The June 3 Protest was a large-scale student movement opposing the Park Chung-hee administration’s Korea-Japan negotiations. The government suppressed the anti-agreement demonstrations with force and declared martial law at 10 PM on June 3. Martial law was lifted on July 29.

8. 1972 Yushin Constitution

President Park Chung-hee declared martial law on October 17, 1972, establishing the Yushin Constitution, which allowed him extended powers. Martial law ended on December 13, 1972.

9. 1979 Bu-Ma Democratic Protests

Democratization protests against the Yushin regime took place in Busan and Masan. On October 16, 1979, martial law was declared in both cities.

10. October 26, 1979, Assassination of President Park Chung-hee

On October 26, 1979, President Park Chung-hee was assassinated by Kim Jae-gyu, the director of the Korean Central Intelligence Agency (KCIA). Acting Prime Minister Choi Kyu-hah declared nationwide martial law the following day.

Martial Law Period: October 27, 1979 – January 24, 1981.

11. December 12, 1979, Military Coup and Martial Law

On December 12, 1979, Chun Doo-hwan and his faction within the military staged a coup, seizing control of South Korea’s military command. Amid the political chaos following President Park’s assassination, Chun’s forces dismantled the existing military structure and established their authority, extending martial law as part of their consolidation of power.

12. May 18, 1980, Gwangju Democratization Movement

On May 17, 1980, Chun Doo-hwan’s military regime expanded martial law nationwide. This led to large-scale democratization protests in Gwangju. On May 18, violent suppression began as paratroopers attacked demonstrators, turning Gwangju into a city of fear and outrage. The military indiscriminately beat and stabbed civilians, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries.

13. December 3, 2024, Martial Law under President Yoon Suk-yeol

Martial law was declared by President Yoon Suk-yeol from 11 PM on December 3, 2024, to 5 AM on December 4, 2024. This marked the 13th instance of martial law in South Korea’s modern history.

Reflection on Democracy

South Korea’s history of martial law demonstrates the sacrifices made for democracy. Citizens are now resolute in preventing any erosion of their sovereignty, holding even the highest offices accountable. The nation’s resilience ensures that authority cannot override the will of the people.

Korean slang evolves incredibly fast, so much so that even native speakers struggle to keep up with all the new abbreviations! Korean internet slang is often created by using the first letters of words, and sometimes, only the initial consonants are used to type even faster. Here are 10 popular abbreviations often seen in Korean YouTube comments and online communities, especially among K-pop fans!

Korean Internet Slang! Top 10 

1. ㅇㄱㄹㅇ (이거 레알, It’s real)

– Meaning: Used to say “this is real” or to agree with emphasis.
– Example: “ㅇㄱㄹㅇ, this performance is the best” (*This is real, this performance is the best!*)

2. ㅂㅂㅂㄱ (반박 불가, Irrefutable)

– Meaning: When something is so perfect it’s beyond argument.
– Example: “This idol is the coolest, ㅂㅂㅂㄱ!” (*This idol is the best, no arguments!*)

3. ㄱㅊ (괜찮아, It’s OK)

– Meaning: Used for reassurance or to say “don’t worry.”
– Example: “Don’t worry, the next comeback will be better. ㄱㅊ!” (*It’s okay, the next comeback will go better.*)

4. ㅅㄱ (수고해, Keep up the good work)

– Meaning: A quick way to say “good job” to someone who’s worked hard.
– Example: “Thanks for the great performance today, ㅅㄱ!” (*Great work today, thanks!*)

5. ㄷㅊ (닥쳐, Shut up)

– Meaning: A playful “shut up” used jokingly among friends.
– Example: “You’re bragging too much! ㄷㅊ!” (*A little too much bragging, shut up!*)

6. ㅁㅊ (미친, Crazy)

– Meaning: An exclamation for when something is crazy impressive.
– Example: “Wow, this performance is ㅁㅊ amazing!” (*Wow, this performance is insanely good!*)

7. ㄹㅇ (레알, Real)

– Meaning: Just like “real” in English, for “really” or “truly.”
– Example: “This song is ㄹㅇ so good!” (*This song is really good!*)

8. ㅇㅈ (인정, Agreed)

– Meaning: Shows agreement with someone’s opinion or statement.
– Example: “The visuals are top-tier, ㅇㅈ.” (*Agree, the visuals are top-tier.*)

9. ㅊㅋ (축하해, Congratulations)

– Meaning: A simple way to say “congrats!”
– Example: “Happy 1st debut anniversary, ㅊㅋ!” (*Congrats on the first debut anniversary!*)

10. ㅅㅌㅊ (상타치, Best)

– Meaning: Refers to something top-notch, the best of the best.
– Example: “This album is ㄹㅇ ㅅㅌㅊ.” (*This album is really top-tier!*)

Learning these can help K-pop fans understand Korean fandom culture and communicate even better!

Let’s read other blog posts together!

Top 3 Internet Search Sites in South Korea

They have been teasing their debut for a month now by releasing teaser videos on the HYBE Labels YouTube channel, creating anticipation.

They held a debut showcase for the title track ‘Magnetic’ from their first mini-album ‘SUPER REAL ME’.

From track 1 to track 4, Bang Si-hyuk participated in lyric writing and composition.

I’LL-IT is the third girl group from HYBE. The group name ‘I’LL-IT’ combines the willful and proactive determination (‘I Will’) with the pronoun denoting something special (‘IT’), embodying the identity of ‘girls with infinite possibilities who can be anything.’

The debut song ‘Magnetic’ expresses the feelings of being attracted to someone like a magnet, capturing the innocent emotions of teenagers who are straightforward about their feelings towards someone they like. It’s made with addictive choruses. (Already addicted to the melody…! )

I’LL-IT Member Introduction

*Photo Source – HYBE*

[ILLIT -Magnetic Lyrics]

Baby
I’m just trying to play it cool
But I just can’t hide that
I want you

Wait a minute 이게 뭐지?
내 심장이 lub-dub
자꾸만 뛰어

저 멀리서도 oh my gosh!
끌어당겨 you’re my crush!
초능력처럼

거대한 자석이 된 것만 같아 my heart
네 모든 게 내 맘에 달라붙어버려 boy

We’re magnetized 인정할게
This time I want

You You You You like it’s magnetic
U U U U U U U U super 이끌림
You You You You like it’s magnetic
U U U U U U U U super 이끌림

BAE BAE BAE BAE BAE BAE BAE BAE BAE
Dash-da-da Dash-da-da Dash-da
Like it’s magnetic
BAE BAE BAE BAE BAE BAE BAE BAE BAE
Dash-da-da Dash-da-da
Baby don’t say no

정반대 같아 our type
넌 J 난 완전 P
S와 N 극이지만
그래서 끌리지

내가 만들래 green light

여잔 배짱이지
So let’s go let’s go
Let’s go let’s go

숨기고 싶지 않아 자석 같은 my heart
내 맘의 끌림대로 너를 향해 갈게 boy

We’re magnetized 인정할게
This time I want

You You You You like it’s magnetic
U U U U U U U U super 이끌림
You You You You like it’s magnetic
U U U U U U U U super 이끌림

No push and pull
전속력으로 너에게 갈게
(In a rush in a rush)

Our chemistry
난 과몰입해 지금 순간에
(Baby you’re my crush you’re my crush)

No push and pull
네게 집중 후회는 안 할래
(Gonna dash gonna dash)
Never holding back
직진해 yeah

This time I want
You You You You like it’s magnetic
U U U U U U U U super 이끌림
You You You You like it’s magnetic
U U U U U U U U super 이끌림

BAE BAE BAE BAE BAE BAE BAE BAE BAE
Dash-da-da Dash-da-da Dash-da
Like it’s magnetic
BAE BAE BAE BAE BAE BAE BAE BAE BAE
Dash-da-da Dash-da-da
Baby don’t say no

If you’re interested in the highly anticipated rookie girl group ‘Black Label’, click here!

2024 The Black Label’s rookie girl group trainee photos leaked

1. Popular Coffee Brands in Korea

In Korea, there are three major coffee chains that office workers love

1. Compose

2. Mega Coffee

3. Paik’s Coffee

These brands are loved and famous because they sell large, affordable takeaway coffees.

Korean people’s love for coffee is truly immense!

2. Mega Coffee VS Compose Coffee

Currently, the model for Mega Coffee is soccer player Son Heung-min and the group ITZY. In response, the competitor Compose has chosen BTS’s V (Taehyung).

Suddenly, V from BTS appears in a TV commercial! (Screaming~~~ ARMY~~~!!)

3. The contents of the advertisement:

# As V, transformed into a barista, announces that the ordered coffee is ready, He transforms into a composer reminiscent of Beethoven, diligently writing something on a napkin.

# What he writes on the napkin turns out to be a musical score, which he hands to the barista.

# The musical score on the napkin is for the tune ‘School Bell Rings Ding Ding Dong.’

When Compose’s official Instagram uploads the advertisement, there is a sudden increase of about 53% in followers compared to the previous day, with over 30,000 new followers, indicating the influence of BTS’s V (Taehyung).

In an interview, V mentions that his favorite item on Compose’s menu is the ‘Yuja Tea,’ which he has enjoyed since he was young. (Interview along with Compose’s ‘Yuja Tea’ sales increase! Screaming~~~ ARMY~~~!!)

Compose’s advertisement is known as V’s last advertisement before his military enlistment. For a moment, the disappointment of domestic V fans… In every neighborhood, you can find Compose stores, adorned with V’s posters and cup holders. On the internet, posts certifying photos of cup holders featuring V’s face are rapidly emerging.

Lastly, let’s listen to V’s voice and end it here~~!

The leaked photos of trainees from the hip-hop powerhouse Teddy’s agency The Black Label are making waves.

Teddy, who was the main rapper of Korea’s hip-hop one-time, leads the agency, known for producing BIGBANG, 2NE1, Jeon Somi, and BLACKPINK, among others.

While The Black Label originated as a subsidiary label under YG Entertainment, it’s currently operating independently. Their musical style, known as Black Music, follows the tradition of African American music, continuing the legacy of YG’s similar style.

The Black Label artists include Zion.T, Jeon Somi, and Taeyang, while actors such as Park Bogum, Lee Jongwon, and Ella Gross are also associated with the label.

Yesterday, February 4th Korean time, photos believed to be of The Black Label’s girl group trainees were leaked, sparking attention.

There are a total of 7 members in the photos. Among them, Ella Gross, Bailey Sok, and Moon Sooyoon are causing a stir.

Let’s take a look at who they are

Ella McKenzie Gross (엘라 그로스)

She’s an American child actress and model, born to a German father and a Korean mother. In Korea, she’s known for her work as a child model for Baskin Robbins.

Bailey Sok (베일리 석)

A Korean American, with a Korean mother. Bailey has gained a significant following online since childhood due to her activities as a choreographer and dancer. She’s already well-known among idol fans for her participation in projects like aespa’s ‘Illusion’ and SHINee’s ‘Don’t Call Me.’

Moon Seoyoon (문서윤)

The granddaughter of the chairman of Korea’s leading department store conglomerate, Shinsegae Group, and the daughter of the vice president of Shinsegae’s department store division. (Shinsegae Group ranks 11th in Korea’s business hierarchy.) Moon Sooyoon gained public attention in January 2023 due to dating rumors with singer G-Dragon, which turned out to be just a coincidence. The idol debut of a chaebol granddaughter is also a hot issue among the public.

As an idol debut of a chaebol granddaughter, while the debut schedule has not been announced yet, the members who have already garnered public interest, it’s already exciting to anticipate how much attention and interest they’ll attract upon their debut.

In the early 2000s, the focus on Hallyu was mainly in Japan and Southeast Asia.

In the current 2020s, interest in Hallyu is growing in the United States and Europe as well. You, looking at this page, are undoubtedly one of the global enthusiasts, right?

Although it’s personal information for me, amidst the flood of scattered internet data, I’ve decided to stack up diverse aspects of Korean music, food, and daily life like pancakes to show you.

Introducing, Fan+Cake+Korea.

I hope you join this experimental blog journey together!

Let’s read other blog posts together!

Top 3 Internet Search Sites in South Korea