As social media platforms and even political circles buzz with chatter in response, lively singer and actress IU (Lee Ji Eun) has come to the aid of rallygoers calling for the impeachment of President Yoon Seok-yeol, feeding fans in and around the venue for the protest.
The rally was held on December 22 in Yeouido, Seoul, and has since faced mixed reactions from the public and political circles.
Xports News reported that on social media, the ex-People Power Party committee member for distinguished emergency response, Park Eun-sik, expressed regret over IU's actions.
He then expressed his dismay: "I was devastated when I saw a piece of news that said 'IU sponsored the pro-impeachment rally.'"
Park described being a fan of IU's work on songs like "Boo," "Marshmallow," and her appearance on "Infinite Challenge" when she was "taken care of" (the Korean equivalent of "filling in") for Jessica from Girls' Generation.
Describing IU, he said, "When Park Myung-soo was rude, she endured her sadness and worked hard. I cheered for her even more."
Park expressed dismay that IU hadn't disclosed her political colors before this point, saying it made him feel like he was losing something.
The conservative right has to "develop a more attractive image," he said, and to "court popular artists like IU."
He said, "As many artists, as Kanye West did, voted for Trump and the Republican Party, our People Power Party must make an effort to connect to the people as well."
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Her agency, Edam Entertainment, confirmed IU's participation in the rally and noted how she was responsible for providing fans staying out in the cold with food and hot packs.
The offerings were abundant, including bread, beverages, noodles, gomtang, ttarogukbap, rice cakes, and more.
According to the agency, the project was intended to warm the hands of fans who came to the rally holding her cheering stick, "Ike."
The news of IU supporting a candidate has opened up a larger discussion over the role of celebrities in South Korean political activism.
Some supporters expressed the fact that they will always appreciate her kindness and readiness to help her fans in an important political event.
Meanwhile, conservative backers have responded poorly to her, prompting boycotts of her work.
While South Korea's political landscape remains fraught with controversies and polarization, IU's participation in this highly-publicized protest continues a larger conversation about celebrity impact on political engagement.
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