"IU, No Obligation to Sponsor All Rallies"...Fandom Releases Statement: "Obscures the Essence of the Ballot Paper Shortage Incident" [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

IU's fandom, "Yoo-ana," issued a statement regarding the "the 3rd local election ballot paper shortage incident."

IU fans strongly criticized the recent "the 3rd local election ballot paper shortage incident," stating, "Using such a serious public matter as a means of pressure and attack against a specific artist is a separate issue."

They continued, "IU's advance payment in the past was a voluntary action taken based on her own judgment and goodwill at the time, and it cannot be viewed as an obligation to express the same stance or provide support for every subsequent political issue or rally."

Furthermore, they pointed out, "Nevertheless, in some online spaces and comment sections recently, reactions have continued demanding IU make advance payments or sponsor specific rallies, or criticizing her silence for not complying. This not only obscures the essence of this incident but is also an unjust act that uses the artist's voluntary goodwill as grounds for political coercion."

IU fans emphasized, "The responsibility for this ballot paper shortage incident fundamentally lies with the National Election Commission, and that responsibility must be strictly held accountable. It should not devolve into demands for a specific artist to express political stances or provide support."

Previously, comments on IU's Instagram included posts such as "Please make an advance payment for Starbucks at Jamsil," "Democracy is ruined, but you know it's contradictory not to make an advance payment for the National Election Commission protest, right?" and "People gathered at Jamsil due to election fraud. Please make an advance payment?"

In December 2024, IU made advance payments for meals and drinks at nearby shops for citizens participating in a rally during the impeachment protests against Yoon Suk-yeol Jeon (President). In light of this, some argued that since IU should provide advance payments for meals and snacks to those protesting at Jamsil over the the 3rd local election ballot paper shortage incident.

As demands for advance payments for protesters during the local election were directed not only at IU but also at actors Lee Dong-wook, Park Bo-young, and Kwon Yoo-ri, some pointed out that this was off-topic from the essence of the issue.

During the the 3rd local election main voting held on the 3rd, an unprecedented incident occurred where citizens were unable to vote due to a shortage of ballot papers. On that day, prepared ballot papers were exhausted early at 14 polling stations, including Seoul Songpa-gu, Gangnam-gu, and Gwangjin-gu, causing the voting process to be temporarily suspended. The National Election Commission urgently transported additional ballots and took temporary measures allowing voters waiting on-site to vote after the closing time.

In response to this incident, Noh Tae-ak, Chairman of the Central Seon Geo-gwan-ri (Chairman), and Secretary-General Heo Cheol-hoon, offered their resignations.

The "the 3rd local election ballot paper shortage incident" is a serious matter in which the constitutional right of citizens to vote in the Republic of Korea has been infringed upon, and trust in the entire election management system has been shaken. As citizens with voting rights, IU's fans express deep concern over the resulting confusion and delays, and firmly condemn this incident.

We believe that the circumstances of this incident must be thoroughly investigated, and responsible follow-up measures and prevention strategies must be put in place. We also respect the voluntary actions of citizens who are raising issues by participating in rallies and protests non-violently. Pointing out problems with the National Election Commission and demanding the guarantee of voting rights and prevention of recurrence are rights of citizens that should be duly respected in a democratic society.

However, using such a serious public matter as a means of pressure and attack against a specific artist is a separate issue. IU's advance payment in the past was a voluntary action taken based on her own judgment and goodwill at the time, and it cannot be viewed as an obligation to express the same stance or provide support for every subsequent political issue or rally.

Nevertheless, in some online spaces and comment sections recently, reactions have continued demanding IU make advance payments or sponsor specific rallies, or criticizing her silence for not complying. This not only obscures the essence of this incident but is also an unjust act that uses the artist's voluntary goodwill as grounds for political coercion.

Since the responsibility for this ballot paper shortage incident fundamentally lies with the National Election Commission, that responsibility must be strictly held accountable. The direction for resolving the issue must involve not only a thorough verification of facts and investigation of the truth but also a sweeping reform of the entire organization with a heart-wrenching determination and concrete, effective institutional improvements. It should not devolve into demands for a specific artist to express political stances or provide support.

IU's fans firmly recognize that the "the 3rd local election ballot paper shortage incident" is a serious matter that seriously undermines the foundation of democracy, popular sovereignty. At the same time, we clearly state that goodwill must never be distorted into coercion under any circumstances, and an artist's voluntary action must not be used as a pretext for political pressure. Therefore, we sincerely hope that this incident will not become a tool for political strife but will serve as an opportunity to fully guarantee citizens' voting rights, correct the election management system and the constitutional order of the Republic of Korea, and restore the nation's dignity that has been tarnished.

June 6, 2026

All fans supporting IU

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*This content was translated by AI.