K-Pop Songs by aespa, G-Dragon, 2NE1 and Light Sticks Used By Peaceful Protesters in South Korea

Young South Korean activists have flooded the streets of Seoul this week in massive protests calling for the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol. Waving the plastic light sticks that are ubiquitous at K-pop concerts and chanting lyrics to songs by G-Dragon and aespa, tens of thousands have taken to the streets in sub-zero temperatures outside the National Assembly in the capital since Yoon’s short-lived, failed attempt to employ martial law last week, according to a Reuters report.

The protesters have taken to chanting “impeach, impeach, impeach Yoon Suk Yeol” to the beat of K-pop group aespa’s techo jam “Whiplash,” as well as waving flags and chanting along to G-Dragon’s “Crooked.” Videos of the musical protests featuring the kind of synchronized sing-along chants and coordinated light stick movements from the mainly young demonstrators that you might see at a concert have flooded social media feeds, including light sticks promoting the K-pop boy band TREASURE.

The President’s attempt to employ martial law — including sending troops to block lawmakers from voting against military rule — has created a constitutional crisis and led to the appointment of a special counsel investigation allegations of insurrection against Yoon, who has been barred from leaving the country during the probe; Yoon apologized for his actions four days later and promised not to declare martial law again.

Seoul-based music critic Kim Do Heon told Reuters that the advantage of using the light sticks is how sturdy the blinking toys are, versus the candles that were the hallmark of 2016 impeachment protests over former President Park Geun-hye. “It also shines very bright and comes in a size that is easy to carry around,” Heon said. Other songs being played at the protests include 2NE1’s “I Am the Best” and Girls’ Generation “Into the New World.”

Protest MC Park Min-ju said she’s been using K-pop style beats to keep the shivering crowds energized and engaged during the demonstrations, telling Reuters that she cooked up the pop instrumentals and a variety of slogans to “cheer people up.”

The K-pop industry — a major economic engine for the country thanks to global superstars including BTS, SEVENTEEN and BLACKPINK — typically stays apolitical and avoids weighing in on current events. And though the lyrics to the songs being blasted during the rallies also avoid social or political commentary, spposition party member Kim Byung-joo has reportedly shared a list of K-pop songs being used in the protests on X, writing on Monday, “Impeach Yoon Suk Yeol, ringleader of treason!… from folk songs to K-pop.”

According to NBC News, police attempted to raid Yoon’s office on Wednesday (Dec. 11), but were unable to enter due to a face-off with security officials. The raids came as opposition lawmakers were trying to resubmit a motion to impeach Yoon, 63, as the country that has had a long history of military-authoritarian rule has been roiled Yoon’s actions.

Watch video of the protests below.