Suspicion of Supporting a Specific Political Party Over Celebrity Outfit Colors Including Song Ga-in
Singer Song Ga-in is encouraging voting in the 21st general election through the video "Let's Choose and Vote Well in the 2020 National Assembly Election." Photo by the video capture
[Asia Economy Reporters Kim Ga-yeon and Min Jun-young, Intern] As the 21st National Assembly election is held today (15th), an unexpected controversy over political colors surrounding celebrities is growing. If the colors of singers, actors, and others’ outfits seen at polling stations resemble those of a specific party, suspicions arise that they support that party.
Similar criticisms have continued regarding 'voting certification shots' proving that they voted, putting celebrities in an awkward position. Experts pointed out that these are baseless suspicions.
Recently, trot singer Song Ga-in was caught up in suspicions of supporting the Democratic Party of Korea. This was because she appeared wearing blue clothing in a video titled "Let's Choose and Vote Well in the 2020 National Assembly Election," released on June 7 on the official YouTube channel of the National Election Commission.
Song Ga-in’s side clarified that she did not support any specific party. Song Ga-in’s fan club 'Again' stated in an official cafe notice on the 13th, "Posts and photos related to politics circulating on SNS and YouTube are not expressions of support," and "We clearly inform you that there is no connection with any specific party or political affiliation."
Actor Jo Bo-ah shared a photo certifying her early voting for the general election. Netizens raised baseless suspicions that the color of the flowers in the background indicated support for the United Future Party. The post has since been deleted. Photo by Jo Bo-ah Instagram capture
Actress Jo Bo-ah faced suspicions of supporting the United Future Party over her 'voting certification shot.' On the 10th, Jo Bo-ah posted a photo on her Instagram certifying her early voting for the general election. She made a 'hand heart' gesture with her hand stamped with the voting mark against a backdrop of azalea flowers.
Netizens raised suspicions that the flower color was similar to the United Future Party’s 'Happy Pink' color, suggesting she supported that party. Other netizens responded with disbelief, and the controversy surrounding Jo Bo-ah’s voting certification shot continued. Eventually, Jo Bo-ah deleted the controversial post.
Comedian Yoo Jae-suk wore a blue hat during the June 13, 2018 local elections, leading to speculation that he was supporting the Democratic Party. Photo by Min Kyung-wook, United Party candidate, Facebook capture.
Comedian Yoo Jae-suk was also caught up in suspicions of supporting a specific party. Candidate Min Kyung-wook of the United Future Party raised an issue when Yoo Jae-suk appeared at a polling station wearing a blue hat during the 2018 'June 13 Local Elections.'
At that time, Min posted on his Facebook, "I already knew your ideology, but now I really don’t want to see these people who are like the proletariat," harshly criticizing Yoo Jae-suk.
He added, "Let’s all wear red hats and go to the polling station~," speculating that Yoo Jae-suk, who wore a blue hat that day, was a supporter of the Democratic Party. After heavy criticism followed the post, he deleted it.
Experts pointed out that political controversies such as suspicions of celebrities supporting specific parties during election seasons are baseless.
Professor Lee Jun-han of the Department of Political Science and Diplomacy at Incheon National University said, "It is excessive criticism to politicize celebrities’ clothing colors without basis," and expressed concern, "If such criticism continues, celebrities will not be able to wear not only blue but also pink, yellow, and other party symbol colors during election seasons."
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