K-pop fans transform South Korean street protests with modern light show
South Korean protesters swap traditional candles for K-pop light sticks in mass demonstrations against president. Young fans unite different fandoms to create tech-savvy protest movement in Seoul
In mid-December Seoulʼs streets turned into a sea of colorful lights as thousands of tech-savvy protesters stood against sub-zero temps. The crowd (mostly young K-pop fans) brought their concert light sticks to show dissatisfaction with Yoon Suk Yeolʼs leadership
The protests new-age approach mixes pop-culture with political action: demonstrators sync their movements to K-pop beats while waving light-up devices. Social-media posts show crowdʼs coordinated light shows and meme-filled flags that spread fast online
Impeach‚ impeach. Impeach Yoon Suk Yeol
Eight years back people used simple candles in demonstrations that removed Park Geun-hye from office; now its high-tech light sticks leading the way. These modern tools dont just look cool - theyre sturdy easy-to-carry and super-bright
- K-pop playlist sharing on social platforms
- Viral videos of synchronized chanting
- Meme flags with protest messages
- Cross-fandom unity symbols
Young women make-up most of the crowd which isnt surprising since Yoonʼs win about two years ago came with low support from female voters in their 20s. His plans to remove the gender equality ministry didnt help either
The protests bring together different K-pop fandoms - from ATEEZ to TREASURE supporters. “We are citizens of South Korea first before we are idol fans“ says Kim Da-in a 19-year old demonstrator showing how pop-culture unites people for a common cause
