MONSTA X’s I.M made history on Tuesday by becoming the first K-pop idol to announce a major national news event: the declaration of martial law by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. While K-pop idols are typically known for their performances, music, and light-hearted variety show appearances, I.M’s unexpected announcement during his live radio broadcast of KBS CoolFM’s Kiss the Radio added a new dimension to the idol’s career and highlighted the significant impact of entertainment figures in media.
The declaration of martial law took place during I.M’s show, which airs from 10 PM to midnight, and the news was met with shock. The rapper, known for his calm and soothing baritone voice, abruptly shifted the tone of his show, saying, “Breaking news: President Yoon Suk Yeol has declared martial law this evening.” The moment was all the more startling given the usual upbeat atmosphere of Kiss the Radio, where I.M interacts with fans and fellow idols in a lighthearted way. However, in this instance, he took on the responsibility of delivering a serious message that directly affected the nation’s future.
This historic moment marked a new intersection between entertainment, public service, and the role of K-pop idols in contemporary South Korean media. I.M’s delivery of the news brought an unusual yet fascinating dynamic to the entertainment industry, demonstrating how idols are increasingly seen as voices with influence beyond just music and performances. One listener shared their disbelief by commenting, “I never imagined hearing martial law news from an idol,” as many fans were taken aback by the gravity of the announcement amidst the usual lighthearted content.
The martial law decree triggered significant political unrest across the country, drawing comparisons to South Korea’s earlier, tumultuous periods in history before the country established its current democratic government. Protests broke out, and the announcement quickly became a national crisis. However, within hours, South Korea’s parliamentary opposition united to vote against the declaration, forcing President Yoon to rescind the martial law order and withdraw military personnel from the streets. Despite this swift political backlash, the situation underscored the nation’s fragile political tensions and sparked debates about the state of democracy in South Korea.
I.M’s role as the unexpected messenger of this breaking news has left an indelible mark on the history of K-pop idols and media interactions. This moment of unanticipated seriousness illustrated the evolving influence of idols like I.M, whose reach now spans not only the world of entertainment but also the realm of public communication. In doing so, I.M has blazed a trail for future K-pop idols, showing that their platforms can have powerful effects on real-world events.
In the aftermath, while fans continue to support I.M’s unique position within the K-pop world, the news announcement served as a reminder of the complex relationship between entertainment, politics, and media in South Korea, and how even idols can become central figures in pivotal moments of national importance. I.M’s historic announcement, while an unusual blend of entertainment and news, showcased the expanding role of K-pop idols as not just performers but as influencers of public discourse and agents of change.
