Coldplay’s Chris Martin Jokes About Korean Politics: “Why Is There No President When We Come?”
Global rock band Coldplay offered a powerful message of support to Korean citizens, celebrating their defense of democracy through peaceful protests and political change.
During the band’s second concert in Korea on April 18 at Goyang Sports Complex, frontman Chris Martin quipped, “Why is there never a president whenever Coldplay comes to Korea?”
The comment referred to the fact that during Coldplay’s first visit in 2017, former president Park Geun-hye had just been impeached, and the country was under an acting leadership. Now, eight years later, in 2025, the band returns amid another political crisis President Yoon Suk-yeol has been impeached over the December 3 martial law incident and is currently facing trial, with Korea once again under an acting president.
Chris Martin’s remark quickly gained traction online, with Korean netizens dubbing it the “Coldplay Parallel Theory.”
Following his comment, the band performed the iconic song Viva La Vida—a track from their 2008 album Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends, which reflects on the fall of a once-powerful ruler. Coldplay had also performed Viva La Vida during their 2017 Seoul concert. At the time, drummer Will Champion remarked, “It’s a song about revolution about a powerful person being dethroned. It’s an honor that people around the world use it to express powerful messages. The song reminds us to embrace life even in the toughest moments.”
Coldplay is scheduled to perform six times during this Korean tour. They’ve already completed three shows and will return to the stage on April 22, 24, and 25.
