As famous celebrities like singer IU, Girls' Generation's Yuri, and Jang Beom-jun show support for the impeachment rally against President Yoon Suk-yeol, reactions are divided.
On the 13th, IU announced on her official fan cafe, “I prepared food and hot packs hoping that the hands of ‘Uena’ (IU's fandom) holding the light stick (Ike) at the rally in this cold weather will be a little warmer.”
The food IU prepared includes 200 pieces of bread, 200 drinks, 100 rice cakes, and 200 bowls of soup. Idam Entertainment stated in the announcement that the distribution will continue until supplies run out at five designated locations.
Idam added, “Please be mindful of your health and safety and visit the designated stores. Even if you are not a member of the official fan club ‘Uena’, if you participate in the rally, you can say ‘Uena’ at the store and receive food, drinks, and hot packs on a first-come, first-served basis.”
Yuri also posted on a fan communication platform on the 13th, “Everyone, eat kimbap tomorrow and stay full. Be careful and stay healthy. Sing ‘Into the New World’ well.” Yuri has pre-ordered kimbap at the Yeonhee Kimbap Dangsan branch. By verifying the Girls' Generation light stick, ‘Sowon Bong’, fans can receive a piece of kimbap.
The day before, Yuri had also expressed support for the candlelight vigil, saying, “Are you all doing well in the cold? The Sowon Bong is pretty and cool. Be careful of catching a cold and dress warmly. I also heard ‘Into the New World’ ringing out. I listen to it every day.”
In fact, at the recent candlelight rally calling for the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol, Girls' Generation's debut song ‘Into the New World’, released in 2007, has been playing.
Jang Beom-jun also mentioned the candlelight vigil on the 14th, saying, “I hope this brings a little warmth to many people who are protecting their precious daily lives in this cold winter. Here’s ‘If War Breaks Out’ (No!) which I made after receiving an emergency disaster text a year and a half ago!”
He continued, “War must not happen; we must not see even the shadow of war in this era. I am grateful to all the many people who are struggling on the asphalt in this cold day. I love you all, and thanks to you, I believe I can spend a happy Christmas with my family, friends, and loved ones at the end of the year.”
In addition, many celebrities from various fields such as the music and film industries are speaking out directly, and the public's reactions are divided. Supportive fans and the public have expressed, “This is a courageous and principled action,” “IU did what IU does,” and “It’s not easy to have such feelings; it’s amazing.”
On the other hand, some have criticized, saying, “Celebrities should maintain neutrality. It’s not right to incite,” “I support impeachment, but I oppose the season of agitation,” “Given their special status as celebrities, it’s better to refrain from speaking out,” “It’s not good to recklessly engage in political agitation,” and “What’s with celebrities inciting politics?”
While freedom of expression exists in a liberal democracy, the continuous political statements and actions of celebrities seem to reflect poorly in the eyes of the public.
[Ji Seung-hoon, Star Today Reporter]
