IU & Lee Dong Wook: Jamsil Protest SNS Controversy

Singer and actress IU has been embroiled in controversy over "SNS comment terrorism" by some netizens regarding the ongoing election-related protests in the Jamsil area of Seoul. Some netizens have left comments on IU's Instagram posts such as "Please pre-pay for Starbucks in Jamsil" and "Do it like you did during the impeachment rally," demanding support with food and drinks for the protesters.

These demands appear to have emerged as IU's past actions of pre-paying for drinks, meals, and snacks for fans during the December 2024 rally calling for the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol were brought back into the spotlight. Similar phenomena are occurring on the social media accounts of other celebrities, such as actor Lee Dong-wook and Girls' Generation member Yuri, who have previously supported rally participants or participated in pre-payments.

Opinions are divided online. Some argue that the same standard should be applied now as was applied in the past to support participants of a specific rally, while others believe that it is inappropriate to link an individual's good deeds to political controversy or demand that celebrities take a specific stance. Some also express concern that when voluntary donations or sponsorship activities by celebrities become subjects of political interpretation, it could actually discourage social contribution activities.

This controversy arose amidst ongoing protests by some citizens demanding a re-election and an investigation into the truth, following a shortage of ballots at the second polling station in Jamsil 7-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul, during the June 3 local elections. In relation to this, Noh Tae-ak, the Chairman of the National Election Commission, resigned on the 5th, taking responsibility for election management.

Some netizens are leaving critical comments on the social media accounts of celebrities like IU, Lee Dong-wook, and Yuri, who provided support such as pre-payments for rally participants during past impeachment protests, saying things like "Why aren't you pre-paying for Starbucks in Jamsil?" and "It's contradictory if you don't pre-pay when people are protesting for democracy."