IU was embroiled in a politically sensitive controversy after some internet users asked her to pre-pay for coffee, bread and other refreshments for protesters gathered at a vote counting center in Jamsil. The demonstration, which reportedly continued into a second day, was organized by people condemning the shortage of votes during South Korea’s June 3 local elections and calling for new elections. Some participants also raised allegations of electoral irregularities. However, the claims described by the protesters were not proven as fact in the information provided.
On June 6, IU’s social media comment sections were flooded with messages asking the singer to support the Jamsil protesters. “Unnie, please send a coffee truck to the Jamsil polling station,” one comment was reportedly read. Others have written, “Please place a prepaid Starbucks order in Jamsil,” AND “People have gathered in Jamsil due to election fraud. Will you pay up front for them?”
Why do people ask IU for support?
The demands appear to be linked to the IU’s previous support for protesters during an earlier impeachment protest. At the time, the singer reportedly pre-paid for bread, rice cakes, soup and drinks at nearby shops for rally attendees and her fans. That act of generosity earned wide attention and praise.
Some social media users are now arguing that the IU should offer similar assistance to the Jamsil protesters. Supporters of the demands argue that people demonstrating in the name of democracy deserve help. Critics, however, say that repeatedly pressuring a celebrity to provide financial support turns a voluntary act of kindness into an obligation.
The debate has divided opinion online. One side argued that the UI has previously helped political protesters and should remain consistent. The opposing side countered that celebrities are not sources of public funding and should not be expected to sponsor every protest associated with a political cause.
Other celebrities were reportedly targeted
IU is reportedly not the only celebrity to receive such messages. Some protesters and internet users reportedly visited the social media accounts of other artists who had pre-paid for food or drinks during the previous impeachment period. Similar requests reportedly appeared in their comments sections.
The controversy follows reported unrest during the June 3 local elections. According to the report provided, several polling stations in Seoul, including locations in Gangnam, Gwangjin, and Songpa districts, experienced voting shortages. Some voters reportedly waited for extended periods, while others left without voting.
The reported shortage of votes fueled public anger and calls for a full investigation. At the same time, the demands made on the IU have shifted some of the online conversation away from election administration and toward the boundaries of celebrity accountability. The UI did not respond to the requests contained in the information provided.
Sources: Netizenbuzz
