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On December 14, 2024, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment bill was passed by the National Assembly following his controversial declaration of martial law earlier that month. After 11 days of continuous public protests and lawmakers' efforts, the bill was passed after failing the first time to impeach Yoon Suk-yeol on December 7, 2024.
The impeachment marked a significant turning point in South Korean politics, prompting widespread protests, cultural expressions of dissent, and demonstrations featuring iconic K-pop tracks such as Girls’ Generation’s Into the New World and BTS’ FIRE, among others.
Amid these tense political events, massive protests took place across South Korea, with music playing a vital role in uniting and energizing demonstrators. Protesters curated a playlist of K-pop songs that resonated with themes of resistance, pro-democracy, freedom, and emotional catharsis, creating a unique cultural backdrop to the political turmoil.
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Furthermore, opposition party lawmakers (Democratic Party of Korea) even waved K-pop band lightsticks of groups like Girl's Generation (aka SNSD), NCT, SHINee, NewJeans, and more to show their solidarity with the protesters who marched demanding President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment.
From BTS' FIRE to aespa's Whiplash — South Korea's protests for President Yoon's impeachment
Music has always played a significant role in South Korea’s political landscape. The recent impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol on December 14, 2024, was no exception. During the rallies leading up to the National Assembly vote, some of the iconic K-pop tracks brought protesters together, amplifying their calls for justice and democracy.
Here’s a closer look at some of the most iconic songs played during the rallies, their release dates, and their relevance to the protest movement.
1) Girls’ Generation’s Into the New World (2007)
Release Date: August 5, 2007
Relevance: Often regarded as South Korea’s unofficial protest anthem, this debut single by Girls’ Generation (SNSD) has been a mainstay in political demonstrations since the 2016 impeachment of President Park Geun-hye. Its uplifting lyrics about hope and new beginnings seemingly reflected the protesters' demands to end Yoon Suk-yeol’s administration.
2) BTS’ FIRE (2016)
Release Date: May 2, 2016
Relevance: BTS’ high-energy anthem FIRE became a rallying cry for younger protesters. With its themes of defiance and liberation, the track seemingly resonated deeply with demonstrators frustrated by Yoon Suk-yeol’s controversial declaration of martial law. The song’s explosive chorus, “Burn it up,” could be heard as people chanted the lyrics during the impeachment protests.
3) G-Dragon’s Crooked (2013)
Release Date: September 5, 2013
Relevance: G-Dragon’s solo hit Crooked encapsulates feelings of frustration and alienation. Its angsty lyrics about defying societal expectations and channeling pain into rebellion mirrored the emotional state of many South Koreans during the political crisis. The was played on December 7, 2024, when the first impeachment failed till December 14.
4) aespa’s Whiplash (2023)
Release Date: May 8, 2023
Relevance: As one of the newer tracks on the playlist, aespa’s Whiplash is known for its themes of empowerment and standing up for oneself. The song appealed particularly to Gen Z protesters. Its dynamic beats and assertive lyrics became a chant as citizens protested outside the National Assembly in South Korea’s democracy.
5) GFRIEND’s Glass Bead (2015)
Release Date: January 15, 2015
Relevance: GFRIEND’s debut single, Glass Bead, holds nostalgic value for many South Koreans. The song’s metaphor of fragile strength resonated with protesters, who rallied against President Yoon Suk-yeol after he declared martial law on December 3, 2024. Although GFRIEND disbanded on May 22, 2021, and left Source Music (under HYBE), its song still holds significant relevance.
6) 2NE1’s I Am the Best (2011)
Release Date: June 24, 2011
Relevance: This girl-power anthem from 2NE1 has long been associated with confidence and empowerment. Played during the rallies, its bold declaration of self-worth energized protesters and served as a reminder of the collective power of the people. Thousands of South Korean citizens took to the streets on December 7 to demand Yoon Suk-yeol to resign and step down from his post.
7) BLACKPINK Rosé and Bruno Mars’ APT. (2024)
Release Date: October 18, 2024
Relevance: This collaboration between Rosé of BLACKPINK and Bruno Mars achieved massive global success, including a Perfect All Kill (PAK) on South Korean music charts. Despite the song being based on a popular Korean drinking game, it was used by Korean citizens during their rally protests against the President as they gathered outside the Parliament.
8) IU’s Love wins all (2024)
Release Date: January 24, 2024
Relevance: IU’s latest single was used by the South Korean broadcast network KBS by their Current Affairs department. The song, along with its hopeful message, was used as a background score in a political documentary featuring Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment rally protests.
By incorporating beloved K-pop tracks into their demonstrations, South Koreans bridged the gap between popular culture and civic activism.
As South Korea awaits the Constitutional Court’s decision on Yoon Suk-yeol’s impeachment, the songs played at the rallies will remain etched in the nation’s memory, a reminder of the people’s enduring spirit and unwavering commitment to justice.
