A new controversy has emerged in South Korea after protesters began flooding the social media accounts of several celebrities, including IU, Lee Dong Wook, and Yuri, demanding that they once again provide food, coffee, and drinks for demonstrators.

The unusual campaign stems from the fallout surrounding South Korea’s June 3 local elections, which were disrupted when several polling stations ran out of ballot papers, particularly in Seoul’s Songpa district. The shortages led to long delays, extended voting hours, public anger, and eventually the resignation of senior election officials.

The reason these celebrities are being singled out is tied to events that occurred during the 2024 impeachment protests against former President Yoon Suk Yeol. At that time, IU, Lee Dong Wook, Yuri, and several other public figures gained praise after prepaying for meals, coffee, and drinks for citizens attending demonstrations.

Now, some protesters involved in the current election-related rallies are arguing that those celebrities should show the same support again.

Comments directed at IU reportedly include requests such as paying for Starbucks orders in Jamsil, where many demonstrators have gathered. Similar messages have appeared on Lee Dong Wook’s and Yuri’s social media accounts, with some users questioning why the stars have not publicly commented on the election controversy.

The protests themselves center on ballot shortages that affected dozens of polling stations during the June 3 elections. The National Election Commission acknowledged that some locations ran out of ballots after turnout exceeded expectations, forcing voters to wait for additional supplies and, in some cases, extending voting hours well beyond the official closing time.

The controversy has continued to grow. The head of the National Election Commission, Roh Tae-ak, resigned and apologized for the incident, while opposition politicians and protesters have demanded further investigations. Thousands of demonstrators have also called for a rerun of the election in affected areas.

What makes the situation particularly controversial is that neither IU, Lee Dong Wook, nor Yuri have publicly endorsed the current protests. Many observers argue that their previous charitable support during a different political event does not automatically obligate them to support every future demonstration. Others believe public figures who previously took visible action should remain consistent.

As of now, none of the three stars has issued a public response to the demands. The debate has therefore shifted beyond coffee and food donations and become part of a larger discussion about celebrity activism, political neutrality, and whether public figures should be expected to support political movements whenever they emerge.

For the moment, IU, Lee Dong Wook, and Yuri find themselves at the center of a controversy they did not create, simply because of actions they took during a previous moment in South Korea’s political history.