![Singer and actor IU [Newsis]](https://wimg.heraldcorp.com/news/cms/2026/06/08/news-p.v1.20260608.0e4ff38abf2140d9af6592c06e5baa6c_P1.jpg)
Fans of singer and actor IU have issued a statement calling on the public to stop making indiscriminate political demands of the artist in connection with the ballot shortage during the June 3 local elections.
On Friday, IU's fandom released a statement describing the incident as "a grave matter in which citizens' constitutionally guaranteed right to vote was infringed and public trust in the overall administration of elections was shaken." The fandom called on the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and put measures in place to prevent a recurrence.
The statement said the fandom "respects the spontaneous actions of citizens who are raising concerns by participating in nonviolent rallies and protests," but added that "responsibility for the situation must be directed at the election management authorities and must not be distorted into political pressure on a specific artist."
IU drew wide attention in December 2024 when she prepaid for food and drinks at a cafe near the site of rallies calling for the impeachment of then-President Yoon Suk Yeol, as a gesture of support for fans attending the protests. Some have since called on her to make a similar show of support in connection with the current incident.
IU's fans said her earlier prepayment "was simply a voluntary act carried out at the time based on her own judgment and goodwill, and cannot be seen as an obligation to express her position or provide support in the same manner for every subsequent political issue or rally."
Meanwhile, protests have continued in the Jamsil area over the ballot shortage that occurred at Polling Station No. 2 in Jamsil 7-dong during the June 3 local elections.
123@heraldcorp.com
