Actor Choi Joon-yong participated in a rally against President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment on the 4th, expressing support by saying, "Let's protect the president until the end."
Choi Joon-yong, who also appeared in the SBS drama "The Age of Wild Men," remarked at the rally hosted by Seoul Sarang Jeil Church near Gwanghwamun Station on Subway Line 5 in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Choi noted, "I've wanted to come on stage for a while now," and added, "Like Kim Heung-kook, whom you all admire, I am also a devotee. Honestly, I felt shy coming on stage, but I am honored to have been given the microphone."
Recalling President Yoon's "declaration of martial law" on the 3rd of last month, Choi Joon-yong said, "Those present here must have been surprised, and I was, too. What was more surprising was that the martial law ended within a few hours." Choi mentioned, "I don't know how you all felt, but I was somewhat disappointed. If the martial law was to be declared, it should have been carried out properly. It was disappointing to see it end so easily," clearly showing support for President Yoon.
Choi Joon-yong also targeted the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU). Choi argued, "Why do people say there are no spies in our country? They use terms from North Korea and carry placards that seem directed by North Korea," adding, "If they're not spies, who is? If they dislike South Korea so much, they should go to North Korea," he asserted.
Choi Joon-yong said, "Those present here cast a precious vote for President Yoon Suk-yeol, and along with Heung-kook and the 'celebrity campaign team,' I traveled across the country to support the president," emphasizing, "Now that things have come to this, I won't hide any longer." Choi added, "I will continue to stand before you, raise my voice, and provide support. Let's protect our president until the end."
Amid the political landscape surrounding President Yoon's impeachment, more entertainers are openly declaring their support. Singer Kim Heung-kook, who took the stage at a rally to prevent President Yoon's arrest, responded to criticism on personal YouTube channel, and singer JK Kim Dong-wook recently posted on his social media that "protecting the president is the path to protecting the nation."
Experts say that while expressing political inclinations is "an individual freedom," it is necessary to speak cautiously, considering the influence on the public amid some cultural sector trends revealing political stances.