IU has been pulled into a politically sensitive controversy after some internet users asked her to prepay for coffee, bread, and other refreshments for protesters gathered at a vote-counting center in Jamsil. The demonstration, which reportedly continued for a second day, was organized by people condemning ballot shortages during South Korea’s June 3 local elections and demanding a new election. Some participants have also raised allegations of election irregularities. However, the claims described by protesters have not been established as fact in the information provided.
On June 6, IU’s social media comment sections were flooded with messages asking the singer to support the Jamsil protesters. “Unnie, please send a coffee truck to the Jamsil polling station,” one comment reportedly read. Others wrote, “Please make a prepaid Starbucks order in Jamsil,” and “People have gathered in Jamsil because of election fraud. Will you prepay for them?”
Why Are People Asking IU for Support?
The requests appear to be connected to IU’s previous support for demonstrators during an earlier impeachment protest. At the time, the singer reportedly prepaid for bread, rice cakes, soup, and drinks at nearby businesses for rally participants and her fans. That act of generosity earned widespread attention and praise.
Some social media users now argue that IU should offer similar assistance to the Jamsil protesters. Supporters of the requests have claimed that people demonstrating in the name of democracy deserve help. Critics, however, say that repeatedly pressuring a celebrity to provide financial support turns a voluntary act of kindness into an obligation.
The debate has divided online opinion. One side has argued that IU previously helped political demonstrators and should remain consistent. The opposing side has countered that celebrities are not public funding sources and should not be expected to sponsor every protest associated with a political cause.
Other Celebrities Reportedly Targeted
IU is reportedly not the only celebrity receiving such messages. Some protesters and internet users have allegedly visited the social media accounts of other entertainers who prepaid food or drinks during the previous impeachment period. Similar demands have reportedly appeared in their comment sections.
The controversy follows disruptions reported during the June 3 local elections. According to the provided report, several polling stations in Seoul—including locations in Gangnam, Gwangjin, and Songpa districts—experienced ballot shortages. Some voters reportedly waited for extended periods, while others left without casting their ballots.
The reported ballot shortage has fueled public anger and demands for a full investigation. At the same time, the requests directed at IU have shifted part of the online conversation away from election administration and toward the limits of celebrity responsibility. IU had not issued a response to the requests in the information provided.
Sources: Netizenbuzz
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