Idol lightsticks emotionally move Korean netizens as protests to impeach the president turn colorful and united

Korean netizens are deeply moved by the sight of K-pop lightsticks illuminating presidential protests.

In an online forum, netizens discussed a powerful moment captured in an MBC television news segment where protesters held up lightsticks from various K-pop fandoms. These vibrant lights lit up the night as protesters sat together, demanding President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment. 

via GIPHY

As hundreds of thousands gathered across Seoul for the rallies, which began on Wednesday, K-pop fans brought their lightsticks instead of the traditional candles. Adding a unique twist, moments of “dance parties” broke out as fans jammed to SEVENTEEN BSS's "Fighting (feat. Lee Young Ji)."

The report highlighted lightsticks from fandoms representing groups like NCT, BTS, SEVENTEEN, EXO, Stray Kids, MAMAMOO, MONSTA X, VIXX, and more. Observers noted that the demographics of these K-pop protesters consisted primarily of women in their 20s and 30s.

On December 3, President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law, prompting South Korea's National Assembly to convene and vote on his impeachment. The motion, however, failed to pass, falling short of the required 200 votes. Despite this, the South Korean public and members of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) continue to rally for his removal, citing constitutional violations.

Netizen reactions include:

"We are fans of democracy."

"Who dares to belittle fangirls? They are so admirable and proudㅠㅠ."

"Democracy shines so brightly and colorfully."

"Don't dismiss them as fangirls; these are people moving with all their hearts for something they believe in."

"It's like a dream concert, dreams really do come true."

"A dream concert for impeachment."

"It’s even more beautiful because it feels like the diverse definitions of justice have come together."

"This is incredibleㅠㅠㅠㅠ, so beautiful and inspiring."

"Wow, it feels like a dream concert."

"To all fangirls, make sure to eat well and dress warmlyㅠㅠ."

"I was watching the news, and it said the majority of the crowd was people in their 20s and 30s. The camera panned, and it was just all women, haha. So proud of you, ladiesㅠㅠ."

"I wonder if I got caught on camera. Did my ARMY Bomb make its debut?"

"Hey, Starship, please make your light sticks brighter!"

"Raising your arm instinctively when cheering, haha."

"I actually teared upㅠㅠㅠ."

"I'm getting emotionalㅠ."

"Looks like there will be even more light sticks next weekend."

"I'm envious of the power these light sticks hold."

"Unified fandomsㅠㅠ."

"This is what K-pop fangirls are all about!"

"My idol's light stick is here too, so proud."

"Isn't democracy as colorful and beautiful as this? It's vibrant and stunning."

"It's a total fandom reunion. It looks beautiful when groups gather by their fandoms, but mixed together, they shine individually like stars in a cosmic universe."

"It’s amazing to see so many different people coming together with one shared purpose."

"I saw it on the news, and it genuinely gave me chills."

"Democracy is shining."

"Fangirls are truly saving the nation."

"I saw it too, haha. I was watching the news, and the screen showed the National Assembly, haha."

"Beauty in unityㅠㅠ."

"Whoever thought of this is brilliant. It made protests, which used to intimidate the younger generation, feel more approachable for people in their 20s and 30s. It also created a sense of connection among fans. It even made me more cautious because I didn’t want to tarnish the image of my fandomㅠ."

"It doesn’t feel like people came out because they hate someone but because they want to protect what they love, from small freedoms to democracy itselfㅠㅠ."

"They look so powerful, for real."

"I went yesterday, and even then, the light sticks were everywhere. But today, there seem to be even more, haha."

"It looks gorgeous even when they’re not grouped by fandom sections but all mixed together."

"It’s easy to see why older generations would be so moved. It’s so beautiful, haha."

"This truly feels like a symbol of democracy. Different colors have come together, united for one cause."

"The heart to love myself or someone else—love really is the most beautiful thing. I’ve been thinking about how much hate there is these days, but seeing this at the protest reminded me of love again."

What are your thoughts?