"Impeachment Specialist Band" Coldplay Jokes, "Every Time We Come to Korea, There's No President"

Park Geun-hye Was Impeached During Coldplay's First Korea Visit in 2017
Dubbed the "Impeachment Specialist Band" Online

The British rock band Coldplay, visiting Korea for their first concert in eight years, drew attention by commenting on the country's political situation.

On April 18, during the Korea concert "Live Nation Presents Coldplay: Music of the Spheres Delivered by DHL" held at Goyang Sports Complex in Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, Coldplay made remarks about Korea's impeachment crisis.

During the concert, Coldplay's vocalist Chris Martin joked, "It seems that every time Coldplay comes to Korea, there is no president." The audience responded with laughter, cheers, and applause.

This was Coldplay's second concert in Korea. During their first visit in 2017, former President Park Geun-hye was removed from office by the Constitutional Court for her involvement in a political scandal.

Coldplay's leader Chris Martin encouraging audience participation at the Korea concert
Photo by Live Nation

As a result, online posts have nicknamed Coldplay the "impeachment specialist band," referencing the lyrics of their hit song "Viva La Vida," which deals with the downfall of tyrants and the rise and fall of power.

Martin further joked, "Do you really need a president?" and then added, "Of course, I understand that you do." He continued, "Everyone is equal, but if I had to recommend someone as president of the Republic of Korea, it would be our drummer, Will Champion." He added, "Will is a very good person. He is very kind, funny, and strong."

Debuting in 2000, Coldplay is a world-renowned band whose nine albums released through 2021 all reached No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart. From April 16 to 25, they are scheduled to perform a total of six concerts at Goyang Sports Complex in Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang, Gyeonggi Province.

The concerts are expected to draw 50,000 audience members per show, totaling 300,000 attendees. This marks the largest scale for a Korea concert by an international act.