K-pop Fandoms and Protest Culture

Joseph Hwang

In the 1980s, South Korea achieved democracy through a constitutional amendment that allowed direct presidential elections in response to civil resistance against military rule. This constitutional shift came at a significant cost, with ordinary citizens sacrificing their lives so that future generations could establish a nation grounded in their cherished values. Today, the older generation of South Koreans plays a pivotal role in this democratic legacy, as the freedoms and values they fought for have nurtured the global rise of K-pop.

For this generation, protests are ingrained in their culture, yet they believe such actions should not be necessary. The term “martial law” is particularly sensitive for them, as they are acutely aware of the oppressive military dictatorships in South Korea’s history, where it was a tool for controlling dissent. Just hearing the phrase triggers memories of the violence that occurred during pro-democracy protests.

However, on December 3, 2024, at 10:23 p.m., a moment typically associated with peace, President Yoon Seok-yul unexpectedly announced martial law, an act that bewildered many South Koreans. Viewers were stunned as they witnessed his announcement live on television, alongside a directive from the Martial Law Command. This declaration banned political activities and gatherings and introduced penalties for violations, significantly curtailing the ordinary freedoms of the populace. The world reacted with shock.

South Korean lawmakers convened at the National Assembly, which was sealed off by police and military forces, to demand that the president rescind the martial law declaration as stipulated by the South Korean Constitution. They deemed the martial law declaration illegal and unconstitutional, providing grounds for impeachment, even for the president. The impeachment process typically takes over three months; the National Assembly must pass an impeachment resolution, and the Constitutional Court must rule on it. Until the Constitutional Court delivers its decision, South Koreans have engaged in peaceful protests to urge the National Assembly to move forward with impeachment and prompt the Constitutional Court’s ruling on the matter.

South Korea has previously impeached former President Park Geun-hye. Regardless of presidential power, a violation of the Constitution or significant legal breaches leads to forfeiting the authority granted by the people, resulting in impeachment. Koreans have learned to appreciate fundamental democratic values through the impeachment of a sitting president—an experience once limited to their school lessons. Many protests extended into the night, with demonstrators lighting candles to assert their rights as citizens. Following the president’s impeachment, the candle became a powerful symbol of democratization in Korea.

The 2024 protests distinguish themselves from earlier movements in South Korea. During the 2016 protests against President Park Geun-hye, adult generations brought their young children to instill a direct understanding of democracy. The significant shift in 2024 is that those children have now matured and emerged as the primary protesters. This new generation of activists closely overlaps with current K-pop fans.

While candles symbolized the 2016 protests, in 2024 they have been supplanted by glow sticks, commonly waved at K-pop concerts. Unlike before, when demonstrators chanted the rallying songs of past generations, they now sing popular K-pop songs from concerts. The adult generation has also adapted to this evolution. The 2024 protests for the impeachment of President Yoon Seok-yul unintentionally mimic a K-pop concert rather than a traditional political rally.

1. Voluntary Commitment

Similar to K-pop fans who willingly attend concerts, the Korean MZ generation that joined the presidential impeachment protests also did so voluntarily. This segment of the K-pop audience actively engaged in political rallies as demonstrators. Those K-pop fans brought along symbols from their favorite artists’ fan clubs, like glow sticks, and replaced traditional protest chants with their favorite songs. As a result, tracks such as Rosé’s “APT,” Girls’ Generation’s “Reunited World,” and BIGBANG’s G-Dragon “Crooked” became new anthems for the protests.

MZ protesters not only shouted political slogans but also provided hot packs and cushions to keep fellow demonstrators warm. They showed initiative by educating the crowd, sharing lyrics with adult protesters who were unfamiliar with K-pop songs. This spontaneous civic engagement helped mature South Korea’s democracy; many of these protesters had been part of the impeachment movement eight years earlier, holding hands with their parents. It was a pivotal moment that bridged generational divides, a crucial issue in Korean society.

2. Pursuing the Common Good

Generation MZ protesters viewed demonstrations not merely as a means to achieve political objectives; they channeled their experiences from K-pop concerts into their protest activities. These K-pop fans crossed boundaries of age, geography, and life experiences, transforming their favorite song lyrics into protest chants that energized adult participants in the movement. By infusing a concert-like atmosphere into their protests, they maintained a nonviolent spirit. Even during letdowns, such as the rejection of the impeachment resolution in the National Assembly due to obstruction by the ruling party, they motivated adults to remain engaged and resilient as citizens. They expressed their demands clearly while also reveling in shared experiences, working collectively for the common good.

3. Culture of Moderation

South Korea’s protest culture embodies features that are seldom found elsewhere. The history of the nation’s struggle for democracy includes tragic losses, with many citizens having been killed by martial law forces, creating a painful legacy. Consequently, no matter how genuine or critical a protest may be, there is deep-rooted caution against it escalating into violence. The police, too, tend to avoid using force; instead, they focus on helping prevent protesters from entering dangerous situations, even during moments of unintended anger. This mutual restraint among protesters and police fosters a protest atmosphere similar to that of a concert. A secure protest space draws more compassionate participants, amplifying the voices of demonstrators. This culture of moderation acts as an implicit assurance that protesters remain patient and can look forward to future demonstrations.

4. Organizing  

Korean protests are well organized, albeit temporarily. Citizens participate voluntarily, leading to the creation of informal protest groups that determine strategies, speakers, and the flow of the demonstrations.  

Citizens who cannot join the protests may support them by sponsoring nearby coffee shops or restaurants to offer free food and drinks for protesters in exchange for prepayment. At the conclusion of the protest, participants ensure that no trash remains behind. In South Korea, taking out trash requires purchasing a bag, which adds to the cost, but the protesters’ collective volunteerism addresses this issue collaboratively. Guidelines detailing appropriate conduct for protesters are shared, and the leader communicates behavioral expectations based on the evolving conditions at the protest site. The absence of violence at protest sites is attributed to careful oversight and responsible management. Safe demonstrations rely on the maturity of the participants.  

Additionally, there’s excitement in standing out during protests. Various flags symbolize the identities of the participating groups. Many of these flags have humorous names that don’t actually exist, reflecting relatable themes. They often serve as witty parodies, expressing the citizens’ frustrations creatively. The playful atmosphere invites all citizens to participate in the enjoyment. While the origin of these entertaining flags remains unknown, they effectively convey that democracy is not distant but intertwined with our daily lives.  

The ongoing protests demanding the impeachment of the president in South Korea have evolved significantly, reaching new heights compared to earlier demonstrations. Although unintentionally, the humor and solidarity present in these protests resemble a K-pop concert, where we cheer, feel moved, laugh, cry, and celebrate our shared connection with the artist. Similarly, in South Korean protests, democracy stands in for the artist, reflecting our collective engagement with democratic ideals.