'What Are You Doing in This Situation?' Im Young-woong Faces Impeachment Backlash "Am I a Politician?"

Posted Birthday Photo of Pet Dog and Faced Backlash
Criticized as "Reckless" for Posting Daily Photos on SNS

Amid the aftermath of the failed impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk-yeol in the National Assembly and the ensuing emergency martial law declaration crisis, singer Lim Young-woong posted a casual photo, sparking controversy.

On the afternoon of the 7th, just before the vote on President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment motion, Lim Young-woong uploaded a post on his Instagram celebrating the birthday of his pet dog, 'Siwol.'

Im Young-woong SNS and a netizen's conversation. Im Young-woong SNS · Internet community

Later, at 7:29 PM while the vote was underway, a person presumed to be an acquaintance, referred to as A, saw Lim Young-woong’s post and criticized him via DM, saying, "What are you doing in this situation?"

After seeing this, A sent Lim Young-woong a direct message saying, "What are you doing in this situation?" When Lim Young-woong replied, "What?" the acquaintance pointed out, "The whole nation is gathered over the president’s impeachment motion amid an unconstitutional martial law declaration, and while I don’t expect you to raise your voice, this is really insensitive."

Lim Young-woong responded, "Am I a politician? Why should I raise my voice?" When their conversation was made public, heated debates ensued on online communities. Some criticized him for recklessly posting casual photos during a chaotic time caused by the National Assembly’s impeachment vote, while others argued that he has the freedom not to make political statements.

Netizens reacted with comments such as, "It’s personal freedom, but even elementary school students are anxious and worried; the phrase ‘free-riding on democracy’ really resonates," "We must not forget the basic fact that politics is part of our lives," "Is he an entertainer completely unrelated to the country’s situation? Disappointing," and "I thought he was doing well until now; I hope those comments aren’t real."

On the other hand, voices defending Lim Young-woong were also strong, saying, "It’s a problem if entertainers have political colors," "The problem lies with those who criticize the freedom to enjoy daily life," and "Why demand political stances from others?"

Following the ongoing barrage of hateful comments from netizens amid this controversy, Lim Young-woong has currently disabled the comment function on his Instagram.