IU Faces Cyberbullying over Korean President’s Arrest, Defended by Politician

On January 15, the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials executed an arrest warrant for President Yoon at his official residence in Hannam-dong, Seoul, securing his custody. This occurred 43 days after the December 3 martial law crisis.

However, the backlash has taken an unexpected turn, with those opposing Yoon’s impeachment and arrest directing their anger at IU.

IU has never directly expressed her views on President Yoon’s impeachment or arrest. However, on December 14, during an impeachment rally for President Yoon held in Yeouido, Seoul, IU prepaid for bread, soup, and hot packs for fans participating in the rally.

The comment section of IU’s social media accounts has since been inundated with critical remarks from far-right netizens.

Below are some comments from these netizens:

• Are you satisfied now? Do you like the current lawless state of the world?
• I was your fan since high school, but I’m so disappointed. Goodbye.
• If you’re boycotted in Korea, you can just go to China to continue your career. You’ve completely betrayed your nation as our ‘nation’s little sister
• Your name will go down in history as an idol who supported spies.”

Previously, IU’s involvement in prepaying for the impeachment rally prompted an online movement among far-right netizens to report her to the CIA. They compiled a list of celebrities who supported Yoon’s impeachment, aiming to block their entry into the U.S.

Additionally, on December 22, former committee member Park Eun-sik wrote on his personal SNS, “I was genuinely saddened to see the news that IU supported the pro-impeachment rally.“

He continued, “From the time she sang ‘Boo’ and ‘Marshmallow’, I thought she had talent. When she appeared on ‘Infinite Challenge’ to sing ‘Naengmyeon’ in place of Girls’ Generation’s Jessica, despite Park Myung-soo’s rude remark ‘Who is she? Bring Jessica back’, she endured the unfairness and worked hard. Seeing her, I supported her even more.”

Park further reminisced, “When she hit those three high notes in ‘Good Day’, I was thrilled, thinking, ‘IU is finally making it big.’ When she began composing and was recognized as an artist, I was proud. Watching her succeed as an actress in ‘My Mister’ was awe-inspiring. I can never forget the emotional impact of hearing ‘Through the Night’ for the first time during my military service.” He added, “She never seemed to show a political stance before. Some conservative right-wing individuals are calling for a boycott, but I hope they don’t pursue that.”

In conclusion, Park said, “In times like these, the conservative right needs to become a more appealing group that gains the support of talented artists like IU. Just as many artists, including Kanye West, supported Trump and the Republican Party, the People Power Party must inspire the public with efforts as relentless as IU’s journey to gain recognition.”

Previously, on December 13, IU made headlines by prepaying for meals at a nearby restaurant for fans attending the impeachment rally in Yeouido, Seoul. At the time, her agency EDAM Entertainment explained, “In the cold weather, we wanted to warm the frozen hands of UAENA (IU’s fandom), who lit up the rally with their light sticks, by preparing food and hot packs.” The gifts included bread, beverages, rice soup, beef-bone soup and rice cakes.