Protesters holding banners and light sticks call for President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment and arrest in front of the National Assembly on Dec. 8, 2024. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Dec. 16 (Korea Bizwire) – K-pop fandom, primarily composed of women in their 20s and 30s, has emerged as a defining force in South Korea’s protest culture, blending activism with the hallmarks of fan culture.
The recent impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol highlighted this unique phenomenon, with protests resembling the energy and organization of a K-pop concert.
K-Pop Fans at the Forefront of Protests
Braving sub-zero temperatures, demonstrators—many equipped with signature K-pop lightsticks, portable chargers, and snacks—gathered outside the National Assembly to await the impeachment votes.
These staples, familiar to concert-goers, became symbols of resilience and organization during the protests. When the impeachment vote passed, the crowd erupted into singing Girls’ Generation’s iconic 2007 hit Into the New World, reflecting the influence of K-pop on the movement.
“Without Speaker Woo climbing that wall to lift martial law, we might not even have been able to demonstrate,” said one protester, referencing the dramatic events of the December 3 martial law declaration. K-pop lightsticks, often described as “shining and glittering,” became synonymous with the protests, visually uniting participants.
The Soundtrack of a Movement
The protest playlist featured songs that resonated across generations, including Girls’ Generation’s Into the New World, Son Dam-bi’s Saturday Night, and G-Dragon’s Crooked. More recent hits like aespa’s Next Level and Supernova also energized the crowd, showing K-pop’s cross-generational appeal.
Music critic Kim Do-heon noted, “Today’s K-pop serves a similar role to folk and protest songs of the past. It’s what the 20-30 demographic connects with and sings best, making it a natural choice for their demonstrations.”
From Fandom to Activism
K-pop fandom’s disciplined culture—honed through all-night concert lines and coordinated voting campaigns—translated seamlessly into organized protest efforts. Protesters camped outside the National Assembly until late hours, drawing comparisons to fans waiting for their favorite idols after a performance.
Kim added, “This generation has learned collective action and social engagement through fandom activities, which likely prepared them to mobilize quickly for societal issues.”
Inspiring Artists to Speak Out
The fervor of K-pop fans also encouraged typically reserved South Korean artists to voice their support. Singer Lee Chae-yeon addressed fans directly, saying, “As a citizen, I’ll make my own political statements. Let’s work toward a better world.” The rare public comment earned widespread praise.
Several celebrities also offered quiet support. IU prepaid for meals at local restaurants near the protest site, ensuring participants were well-fed. Members of NewJeans sent supplies, calling it “a small gift for K-pop fans and Bunnies.” Actor Lee Dong-wook celebrated the impeachment’s success by sharing Into the New World and writing, “Spring feels one step closer.”
This fusion of K-pop and activism marks a new chapter in South Korea’s protest culture, where music, fandom, and social action converge to amplify the voices of a politically engaged generation.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
