NewJeans, IU, Park Chan-wook show solidarity with impeachment protesters

By Pyo Kyung-min

The entertainment industry, including K-pop act NewJeans, singer IU, Girls' Generation's Yuri and acclaimed filmmaker Park Chan-wook, united in supporting citizens calling for the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol. Through the provision of prepaid food and drinks at select establishments in Yeouido — the main financial district of Seoul and the seat of the National Assembly — celebrities expressed their gratitude and encouragement to those braving the cold in their fight for change.

Launching a new Instagram account (@jeanzforfree), the five members of K-pop girl group NewJeans announced the special initiative on Sunday. "This is a small gift for the Bunnies (the name of NewJeans' official fandom) and K-pop fans," the group stated. "Regardless of the artist you support, anyone with a light stick can receive the items under the name 'Bunnies.'"

The group's initiative included complimentary meals at four restaurants in Yeouido, offering dishes and drinks from 3 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. "It's really cold in Korea," member Minji wrote, expressing her support. "We've prepared this so you can have a warm meal, so please make sure to eat well."

Joining the effort, "Oldboy" (2003) director Park Chan-wook prepaid for baked goods at a bakery in Yeouido, blending the theme of solidarity with his cinematic craft. Park added a touch of humor to his act of support by engraving phrases like "Decision to Leave Yoon Suk Yeol" on the bread's packaging, a reference to his 2022 film "Decision to Leave."

Earlier on Dec. 8, Park also joined 599 other directors and 3,007 film professionals from 81 organizations in a statement demanding Yoon's resignation. The statement, titled "Filmmakers demanding Yoon Suk Yeol's resignation," called for the urgent "arrest and removal of Yoon Suk Yeol, a perpetrator of rebellion."

On Saturday, singer IU made a generous contribution by prepaying for 200 pieces of bread, 200 drinks, 100 rice cakes and 200 bowls of "gukbap" (a hot soup dish) at various Yeouido establishments.

"In this cold weather, I hope that the frozen hands of UAENA (IU's official fandom name), who are attending the rally holding their light sticks, can feel a little warmer. That's why I prepared food and heat packs," the singer said via her official online fan platform.

Yuri, a member of K-pop group Girls' Generation — whose 2007 hit song "Into the New World" has become a protest anthem — also took part in the initiative. Prepaying for "gimbap" (Korean dish made of steamed rice and various ingredients, wrapped in dry seaweed ) at a restaurant near Dangsan Station in Yeongdeungpo District, Yuri allowed fans to collect meals by presenting the group's official light stick.

"Make sure to eat 'gimbap' tomorrow and fill up your stomachs. Stay safe and healthy. Sing 'Into the New World' well," Yuri posted Saturday on a fan communication platform.

The efforts and messages of support from celebrities and the people's protests culminated on Saturday as the National Assembly voted on a second impeachment motion against Yoon. All 300 members participated in the vote, with 204 in favor, leading to the president's suspension from office.