Online communities circulated a photoshopped image of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un watching the news with a caption reading, “Can we send (the balloon packages) again now?” (Photo: a screenshot from Humor University website)
SEOUL, Dec. 16 (Korea Bizwire) – A flood of satirical memes has swept across South Korean social media in the days between President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law on December 3 and his impeachment by the National Assembly on December 14.
Following the impeachment vote, online communities circulated a photoshopped image of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un watching the news with a caption reading, “Can we send (the balloon packages) again now?” The meme humorously depicted North Korea’s surprise at the new political developments after maintaining a watchful silence during the domestic instability caused by martial law.
Social media platforms were particularly active in the aftermath of the martial law declaration. One widely shared image showed President Yoon with a stern expression, sitting opposite his chief of staff Jung Jin-seok and People Power Party leader Han Dong-hun.
The caption read, “What did I declare last night after the second round?” – a satirical reference to the president’s known fondness for drinking.
The caption read, “What did I declare last night after the second round?” – a satirical reference to the president’s known fondness for drinking. (Photo: a screenshot from Blind)
Another popular meme featured President Yoon and First Lady Kim Keon Hee standing together, with the question “What’s the craziest thing you’ve done for love?” followed by the answer “Martial law.” Similarly, a photo of former President Moon Jae-in walking and smiling alongside Yoon circulated with the caption “The plan to destroy conservatism is proceeding well.”
One meme showed North Korea’s Kim Jong Un with a furrowed brow, accompanied by the text “What’s going on? I haven’t done anything yet,” generating widespread amusement among internet users.
Koo Jeong-woo, a sociology professor at Sungkyunkwan University, suggests that the creation and sharing of political memes represents a new form of social movement among the digital generation.
“Through creative online political satire, people are attempting to focus attention and protect democracy,” he said. “The fact that politics can be addressed in such a playful yet sustainable way reflects a confidence in our system’s resilience when problems arise.”
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
