IU Faces Backlash After Supporting Fans at Impeachment Rally

Singer and actress IU (아이유) is experiencing unexpected backlash after showing support for fans attending a rally calling for the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol (윤석열). The controversy erupted following a post on IU's social media, where fans engaged in heated debates, leading to a mix of criticism and supportive comments.

The incident began on December 13, when IU's team pre-paid for food to support fans participating in the rally. They announced through the official fan cafe that they hoped to warm the hands of fans holding light sticks (아이크) in the cold weather by providing food and hot packs. The provisions included 200 pieces of bread, 200 drinks, 100 rice cakes, and 200 bowls of soup, with details of the participating local shops shared for fans to visit.

The rally was organized to demand the impeachment and immediate arrest of President Yoon, with participants symbolically carrying their light sticks to show their support. While IU's gesture was meant to express care for her fans, it drew criticism from some conservative netizens.

Some users called for a boycott of brands associated with IU, while others even suggested reporting her to the CIA. A far-right YouTuber claimed to have reported IU, accusing her of inciting impeachment sentiments. Additionally, certain extreme right-wing communities labeled her as 'Left IU' (좌이유) and targeted her social media accounts with negative comments, creating a bizarre situation.