Na Kyungwon Uses Coldplay Concert Footage for Promotion
Strong Criticism Over "Do Not Politicize"
As the global band Coldplay recently drew attention for referencing the political situation in Korea during their concert in the country, Na Kyungwon, a presidential primary candidate from the People Power Party, sparked controversy by arbitrarily editing the band's remarks into a promotional video for herself. While Na's camp maintains that it was simply a promotional material, netizens have criticized it as a self-serving fabrication.
A parody video of Coldplay concert scenes posted by Na Kyungwon of the People Power Party. Screenshot from Na Kyungwon's official YouTube channel
According to political sources on April 21, a YouTube Shorts video tagged '@coldplay' was uploaded to Na's official YouTube channel the previous day. The video is a parody, edited from scenes of Coldplay's concert held on April 18 at Goyang Sports Complex in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province.
During the concert, Coldplay's vocalist Chris Martin joked, "Why is it that every time we come to Korea, there is no president?" and continued, "I would like to recommend someone as the president of Korea. Our drummer, Will Champion." As Martin introduced Champion as "a really kind and solid person," Champion burst into laughter.
Na's team inserted captions over this scene, saying, "Today, we will decide the next president. It's Na Kyungwon, who took on the drum challenge," and superimposed Na's face onto Champion's. In the following scene, as Martin praised Champion, captions read, "Na Kyungwon will make it to the semifinals. To the finals. She is the final candidate. She is the president." The video concluded with Na herself appearing, saying, "Thank you, Coldplay. I will definitely be here as president at your next concert in Korea."
The parody promotional video by Na received a wave of critical comments. Netizens responded, "You used Coldplay's music for political purposes without understanding its message," "This doesn't match the intent of what was said at the concert at all," "This is disrespectful to the artist," and "Coldplay would have every right to sue."
Coldplay, regarded as one of the most beloved bands in the world, is known for advocating progressive values such as LGBTQ rights, peace, and anti-war stances. The band also has a unique connection to Korea's two presidential impeachments. Their song "Viva la Vida," which depicts the downfall of a former ruler, was sung as an anthem for impeachment during rallies at Gwanghwamun Square amid the impeachment of former President Park Geunhye.
Notably, when Coldplay held their first concert in Korea in April 2017, Park Geunhye had just been removed from office. This year, eight years later, as Coldplay returned to Korea, the presidency was vacant again following the impeachment of former President Yoon Sukyeol. As a result, an online meme about the "Coldplay and presidential impeachment parallel theory" has circulated.
As negative public opinion spread, Na's team explained in the comments that "the video is simply a promotional piece unrelated to Coldplay's intentions." However, fans continued to demand the video's removal, pointing out, "You made it look like Coldplay endorsed you, and now you say it's unrelated to their intentions?" and "Did you get permission to use their likeness?"
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