When K-Pop Fandom Meets Politics

On the afternoon of the 8th, at a protest in front of the National Assembly in Seoul, participants are holding light sticks while calling for the impeachment and arrest of President Yoon Suk-yeol. / Photo: Yonhap News

Everything Starts in the Fan Chat Room

In the morning of 12/3, as I was starting my day, I noticed an unusually high number of chat notifications in my fan chat room (안고독방: a Kakao chat where fans gather to discuss their favorite star). The messages were full of confusion: “The official fan cafe’s not working because the President declared martial law.” ”Are we in 2024 or what??” One of the most important rules in any fan chat is that the conversation must stay focused on the star. Talking about personal matters, let alone politics, is highly frowned upon.

The chat was scrolling so fast that I could barely keep up. Martial law? Is this for real? I thought. This was something my mom’s generation experienced, a distant memory in history books. What was happening?

The messages reflected my own shock and confusion. One person hesitantly wrote, “Shouldn’t we stick to talking only about our star? I’m worried the chat will spiral out of control and get shut down.” The chat moderator quickly stepped in: “I’ll open a new chat if that happens, don’t worry,” making it clear that this was no ordinary circumstance. Even in a space meant solely for fandom, something bigger had broken through.

What I didn’t realize then was that this moment in the chat was just the beginning of a much larger shift.

At dawn on the 4th, President Yoon Suk-yeol dramatically declared martial law, and military forces are facing off with citizens in front of the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul. /News1

From Martial Law to Mass Mobilization

On December 3, 2024, President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law in response to mounting political tensions after the opposition-controlled National Assembly rejected his government’s budget proposal. The move shocked the nation and sparked immediate backlash. By early the next morning, 190 lawmakers had voted unanimously to overturn the declaration, despite attempts by the military to block the vote. By 4:30 AM, Yoon and his cabinet had officially lifted the decree and disbanded the Martial Law Command.

The fallout was swift. Resignations from key officials, including the Defense Minister, were announced, and investigations were launched into those involved. Protests erupted across Korea as citizens gathered in public squares, flooded online spaces, and organized demonstrations. But what stood out most was the significant role played by young Koreans, particularly women in their 20s and 30s, who brought a new kind of energy and creativity to the movement.

When K-Pop Fandom Meets Politics

This younger generation, often seen as politically disengaged, turned out to be the driving force behind these protests, blending the tools and symbols of fandom culture with political activism.

On the afternoon of the 8th, at a candlelight vigil near the National Assembly Station in Yeouido, Seoul, a vendor is selling support sticks to citizens. /News1

Protesters waved K-pop light sticks, iconic symbols of fan culture, transforming them into powerful symbols of resistance. Unlike the candles of Korea’s historic “candlelight protests,” which symbolized hope and collective mourning, these light sticks brought an energy uniquely reflective of this generation’s identity.

The protests also adopted popular K-pop songs as anthems, using their emotional resonance and global appeal to unite crowds. Chants mirrored fan chants from concerts, blending rhythmic slogans with pop culture references to make messages both memorable and impactful.

Meanwhile, online platforms buzzed with activity. Protesters used memes, sharp, humorous, and critical of the administration to galvanize support and spread their message. Social media became a key organizing tool, with hashtags, viral posts, and even virtual demonstrations extending the movement’s reach far beyond physical spaces.

By integrating fandom culture and digital fluency, young Koreans have redefined not only the way protests are conducted but also how they approach and engage with politics. Their approach is not only powerful but also deeply rooted in cultural significance, transforming demonstrations into a reflection of young Koreans’ unique blend of civic engagement and pop culture identity.

What This Means for The Future

Shaped by grief, frustration, and a history of political apathy following national tragedies like the Sinking of MV Sewol and the Seoul Halloween Crowd Crush, this generation of young Koreans is now undergoing a profound transformation. This political predicament has sparked a shift, weaving civic and political passion into their identities. Drawing on skills honed through fandom like organizing, amplifying messages, and mobilizing communities, they are channeling their disillusionment into a distinctive form of activism.

(Originally published on Medium)