Protesters hold a massive rally in front of the National Assembly in Seoul, Saturday, to urge lawmakers to vote for the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol over his short-lived martial law declaration. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul
By Pyo Kyung-min
As political turmoil intensifies in Korea following President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law on Dec. 3 and the subsequent unsuccessful impeachment vote at the National Assembly on Saturday, celebrities have broken their silence to join the growing calls for Yoon's impeachment.
Typically hesitant to wade into political issues, several K-pop stars have lent their voices to the ongoing protests and candlelight vigils, with their involvement inspiring fans and further energizing the movement.
Former IZ*ONE member Lee Chae-yeon challenged the notion that celebrities should stay out of politics on Saturday, when hundreds of thousands gathered in front of the National Assembly urging Yoon's impeachment.
"Am I not in a position to talk politics? Then what position qualifies?" she wrote on an online fan platform, displaying her resolve.
"As a citizen, I'll decide for myself. I'll say what I want, when I want. I'm a public figure and that's exactly why I should speak out. But thank you for your concerns. Let's strive for a better world — a world where we can truly send love to each other."
Youngjae of boy band GOT7 also expressed his support during a live broadcast on Sunday. Upon noticing a fan's comment pledging to "make Korea a better place," Youngjae said, "I'll be the one to make it happen. I deeply love Korea."
"I want Korea to thrive, more than anyone," he added. "In these tough times, I'm grateful we're not facing them alone, and I hope we can make changes together."
Singer Lee Chae-yeon, left, and GOT7 member Youngjae / Korea Times file
ATEEZ's Wooyoung expressed support via social media by uploading a post featuring Girls' Generation's debut track "Into the New World" — a song that has become a protest anthem. He also acknowledged a fan's use of the candle emoji, a symbol of the demonstrations.
"Sometimes it's tough not being able to say what you truly feel, even when you're wronged," Wooyoung said on social media. "But I believe time will resolve things. My principles guide me, and I refuse to act just for show. I hope those close to me understand this."
Hyeju of Loossemble, formerly of girl group LOONA, joined in to applaud fans participating in the protests.
"To the C.Loo (Loossemble's official fandom) members heading to Yeouido today, you're incredible, amazing and thank you," she said. "To those (supporting) from afar, you're just as amazing. As an idol, some might find my stance uncomfortable, but as a citizen, I believe this is right. Let's stay strong!"
Singer Jeong Se-woon offered a practical gesture of support, gifting hand warmer coupons via his online fan community. "I hope the hands waving your Haengbong (official lightstick of Jeong's fandom) never freeze, no matter where or when," Jeong wrote.
Some stars even attended the rallies in person, with singer Ahn Ye-eun sharing a photo from a protest site, humorously captioning it, "Let us fangirls stay at home and obsess over our idols in peace. This is exhausting."
The involvement of K-pop stars aligns with the evolving culture of protests, as candlelight vigils and rallies calling for Yoon's impeachment continue in front of the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, and across the country. The presence of young people at these events is gaining attention, as they swap traditional candles for idol light sticks and folk songs for K-pop tracks, creating a new culture of activism.
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