IU Faces Backlash Amid Local Election Protests

IU, the star of 'Perfect Crown', is facing backlash on social media after local elections in South Korea led to protests over ballot issues. Users are urging her to provide food and drinks for demonstrators, referencing her past charitable acts. While her fans defend her against what they see as harassment, IU has yet to respond to the demands. This situation highlights the intersection of celebrity influence and political activism, raising questions about the responsibilities of public figures in times of social unrest.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 6, 2026, 23:59 IST

IU's Controversy Following Local Elections

IU, the star of 'Perfect Crown', is once again at the center of controversy despite her show's success. The singer and actress has found herself embroiled in an online uproar following the recent local elections in South Korea. Although she has not publicly commented on the matter, her social media platforms have become a hotbed of debate, with some users urging her to provide food and beverages for the demonstrators. This situation arises after her show, which also features Byeon Woo-Seok, faced criticism for historical inaccuracies, leading to calls for its removal from streaming services.

The controversy ignited when it was revealed that several polling stations ran out of ballot papers during the June 3 elections. This prompted protests from voters and various groups questioning the integrity of the election process.

During this turmoil, IU became a target for some social media users. Her Instagram posts were inundated with comments requesting coffee, snacks, and other refreshments for the protesters. Many of these comments referenced a previous occasion in 2024 when IU provided food and drinks for fans attending a public rally, which included 700 meals, 200 loaves of bread, 200 beverages, 100 rice cakes, and 200 bowls of gukbap (soup with rice). This past gesture led some to argue that she should extend similar support to the current demonstrators.

The calls for IU's assistance stem from her well-known act of kindness at a previous rally where her agency distributed food and drinks to fans braving the cold. While this gesture was seen as a caring act towards her supporters rather than a political statement, some users are now drawing comparisons to the ongoing protests, questioning why she has not offered similar help this time. This has led to a surge of comments on her social media, with some posts receiving thousands of likes and shares.

In response, IU's dedicated fanbase has rallied to her defense, labeling the influx of comments as harassment. They argue that IU is being unfairly implicated in a situation unrelated to her. Supporters emphasize that her previous actions were aimed at her fans and should not obligate her to engage in other controversies. As discussions continue, neither IU nor her agency has issued an official response to the demands surfacing on her social media accounts.