IU faces online calls to sponsor food and coffee for Jamsil election protesters

A growing number of social media users have been calling on South Korean singer-songwriter IU to prepay for food and drinks for demonstrators participating in a protest near Jamsil, sparking debate over whether public figures should be expected to support political gatherings.

The protest, now entering its second day, is being held outside a vote-counting center in Jamsil. Demonstrators are condemning reported ballot shortages that occurred during the June 3 local elections and are demanding a re-election.

On June 6, IU’s social media accounts were flooded with comments urging the singer to provide support for the protesters. “Please send a coffee truck to the Jamsil polling station,” one user wrote. Others posted messages such as, “Please prepay at Starbucks in Jamsil,” and “People have gathered in Jamsil because of alleged election irregularities. Could you prepay for them as well?”

The requests appear to stem from IU’s previous charitable actions during past political demonstrations. During impeachment-related rallies, the singer prepaid for bread, rice cakes, hot meals, and beverages at nearby stores for both demonstrators and her fans.

Some online users argue that IU should offer similar support to the current protesters, claiming that they are also demonstrating for democratic principles. Others, however, criticize the demands as an unfair attempt to pressure a celebrity into providing financial assistance.

“Supporting a cause voluntarily is one thing, but forcing goodwill upon someone is another,” one commenter wrote, reflecting concerns about the expectations being placed on public figures. Reports indicate that some protesters have extended similar requests to other celebrities who had previously provided prepaid food and beverages during impeachment-era demonstrations, leaving comments on their social media accounts asking for comparable support.

The controversy comes amid ongoing public scrutiny surrounding ballot shortages reported on the official election day, June 3. In several polling stations across Seoul districts, including Gangnam, Gwangjin, and Songpa, voters reportedly faced lengthy delays or were unable to cast their ballots due to a lack of ballot papers.

Addressing the issue on June 5, Prime Minister Kim Min Seok described the incident as “a serious challenge to K-democracy” and pledged a thorough investigation.

“The truth behind this situation will be clearly established through all available means, including investigations, and those responsible will be held strictly accountable,” Kim said. Authorities have yet to announce whether additional measures regarding the affected polling stations will be implemented.