South Korean singer and actress IU has faced coordinated online trolling demanding she pay for coffee and snacks for demonstrators protesting a ballot paper shortage during the June 3 local elections in Seoul [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8]. The protests erupted after some Seoul polling stations ran out of ballot papers, triggering mass demonstrations outside counting centers [1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8].
The June 3 local elections involved about 4,000 positions nationwide, but ballot paper shortages affected some polling places in Seoul, sparking anger among voters [3, 5, 7, 8]. On June 5, more than 6,000 protesters gathered outside a polling center in Seoul to demand better election management, amid calls for accountability [2, 3, 5].
IU, 33, previously provided prepaid food and drinks—including coffee, bread, and rice soup—to participants at rallies calling for former President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment in late 2024 during harsh winter weather [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8]. Some online users and demonstrators have demanded she repeat that support now, sending messages such as "please send a coffee truck to the polling site" or "pay in advance at Starbucks near the protest" [2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8].
However, other online users and IU's fans have condemned these demands as emotional blackmail or harassment, arguing her previous support was an act of personal kindness, not a political stance [2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8]. One user wrote, "IU's money didn't just blow in the wind. What she gave before was kindness, and now forcing her to give is robbery" [6]. Some believe IU's prior aid signals political alignment with progressive causes and warrants further support, while others reject this interpretation [2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8].
IU's agency has not released an official statement responding to the online demands or controversy [1, 4, 6].
South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-sik called the incident a "serious challenge to democracy" and said the government would thoroughly investigate and hold responsible parties accountable [2].
The protests and online debate continue as the election aftermath unfolds. No further events involving IU's role or response have been announced since the trolling began immediately after the June 3 elections and June 5 protests.
