IU's Support for Protesters Praised Following Former President Yoon's Impeachment
On April 4, 2025, following the unanimous decision by the Constitutional Court to impeach former President Yoon Suk-yeol, fans of singer and actress IU have once again lauded her previous act of support for protesters. IU had previously sponsored 700 food items for fans attending a rally calling for Yoon's impeachment on December 13, 2024.
In a statement released through an online community, IU's fanbase emphasized the constitutional significance and contemporary value of her 'prepaid support' for the rally. They described her actions as a 'cultural insight that upheld the constitution.' The fans noted that IU stood quietly yet firmly alongside citizens exercising their freedom of expression, responding to the need for solidarity without overtly revealing her political stance.
The statement also condemned online detractors who disparaged IU, referring to her as 'Left IU' and mocking her support. The fans asserted that her choice represented a courageous step towards democracy and a forward-thinking cultural perspective. They highlighted that the Constitutional Court's ruling acknowledged the infringement of citizens' political rights and freedoms by the former president, framing IU's support as a legitimate call to uphold the constitution.
The fans concluded by celebrating IU as an artist who introduced a new form of civic solidarity through her 'prepaid support culture,' illuminating the importance of freedom of expression in society. They expressed gratitude for her insight and courage, pledging to continue supporting artists who act with warmth and truthfulness in the future.
Despite the praise, some voices in the community criticized the statement, suggesting it was crafted to mock IU, pointing out the awkwardness of excessive celebrity mentions on the day of the impeachment ruling. Nevertheless, IU's 'prepaid support' remains a topic of discussion, especially as she faced backlash from far-right netizens for her actions. During a live segment on YouTube's 'Maeul Show,' host Choi Wook expressed sympathy for IU, acknowledging the challenges she has faced.
The full statement from IU's fan community reads:
"IU's 'prepaid support' is a cultural insight that upheld the constitution. On April 4, 2025, the Constitutional Court ruled to impeach President Yoon Suk-yeol for serious violations of the constitution and laws, marking a historic decision to revive the values of constitutional order and democracy in our society.
At this moment, we recall IU's warm gesture of prepaid support for fans attending the rally on December 13, 2024, providing 700 food items including rice soup, bread, and drinks. IU stood quietly yet decisively with citizens exercising their freedom of expression, responding to the need for solidarity without revealing her political stance.
Some factions distorted her intentions and mocked her, even claiming to report her to the CIA. However, the truth is now clear to all. IU's choice was a courageous act towards democracy and a cultural insight ahead of its time.
The Constitutional Court's ruling today clearly recognized the infringement of citizens' political rights, collective action rights, and freedom of occupation by the president. In light of this judgment, the voices of the citizens IU supported were legitimate cries to uphold the constitution, and her actions were a cultural act of constitutional defense.
IU is not merely a supporter; she is a model of action that upheld the constitution in her daily life. We proudly declare that IU is an artist who introduced a new form of civic solidarity through 'prepaid support culture' and a cultural entity that preserved the breath of the constitution.
Her quiet touch has illuminated our society's freedom of expression and civic common sense like a small candle. Today, we express our deep gratitude for IU's insight and warm courage. We will continue to support and stand by artists who act with warmth and do not remain silent in the face of truth.
Thank you.
April 4, 2025
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