“They are a joke" — Internet slams Knetz for allegedly reporting NewJeans, IU & more celebrities to CIA over President’s impeachment protests support

On December 17, 2024, Star Today stated that artists, including IU, NewJeans, and more, were reported to the CIA for supporting the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol. The reports were made by a few netizens who complained about the artists in the People Power Party gallery on DC Inside.

This act followed President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment on December 14, 2024, after he declared martial law nationwide on December 3. However, severe protest and backlash overturned the decree by 4:27 am on December 4, 2024. Meanwhile, some supporters of President Yoon Suk-yeol reported a list of celebrities, accusing them of supporting his impeachment and being "anti-nation."

Prominent figures in South Korea's entertainment industry openly supported Yoon's impeachment. Celebrities, including IU, members of NewJeans, director Bong Joon-ho (Parasite), and actor Song Kang-ho, expressed solidarity with the protests. Bong Joon-ho was one of the 2,500 film industry figures who signed the petition, demanding President Yoon's impeachment and resignation.

Here is the list of South Korean celebrities who were reported to the CIA:

1. IU
2. NewJeans
3. Kim Ea-na
4. Go Min-si
5. Yoon Jong-shin
6. Lee Seung-hwan
7. Girls' Generation's Yuri and Seohyun
8. Mamamoo's Moonbyul
9. Park Hyo-shin
10. Sweet Sorrow
11. Ahn Bo-hyun
12. STAYC
13. Lee Chae-yeon
14. Chuu
15. Shin So-yul
16. Go Ah-sung
17. Park Bo-young
18. Lee Jong-suk
19. Choi Min-sik
20. Lee Dong-wook
21. Heo Sung-tae
22. Jang Beom-jun
23. P.O.
24. Onew
25. Lady Jane
26. Park Myung-soo
27. Tony An
28. EL
29. Kim Seo-hyung
30. Lee Sens
31. Nmix's Kyu-jin
32. Director Bong Joon-ho
33. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk
34. Writer Kim Eun-sook

Online users were stunned to come across this news and see some Korean netizens report these celebrities to the CIA. One X user wrote:

"lol what will CIA do about this? they're a joke."

Netizens criticized those complainees for their "embarrassing" reaction to a nationwide crisis.

"Do they mean NIS? Bc the CIA absolutely won’t care so it sounds like they’re lying," one fan wrote.

"So embarrassing.. What can CIA do in this? Especially since they are just supporting what's right.." another fan said.

"So this is how I find out that p.o. and park myungsoo supported the impeachment rallies. And to think that park myungsoo was getting slandered by hybe stans weeks ago when he has more backbone than any of the people they stan... oh kpop idols why are you on the floor!" another fan wrote.

Others called the situation "ridiculous" and wondered what the CIA has to do with anything in this matter.

"Wtf this is so ridiculous," one fan remarked.

"Just want to post bcs its ridiculous" another fan reacted.

"Ridiculously funny! So what then? Do they even think CIA will do something about it?" one other fan reacted.

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Background on South Korea's martial law declared by President Yoon Suk-yeol and his impeachment

On December 3, President Yoon Suk-yeol announced martial law, citing threats from "anti-state forces" and accusing the opposition-controlled National Assembly of colluding with such groups. This declaration triggered mass protests nationwide, with citizens rallying in Seoul and other major cities, supported by opposition leaders.

Martial law was quickly rescinded on December 4 after global condemnation and unanimous opposition in the National Assembly. Despite lifting the decree, Yoon Suk-yeol's presidency faced backlash for abusing executive power, with multiple investigations launched into his administration and military leaders involved in enforcing martial law.

The resignation of key officials, including Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, further undermined the administration's credibility. On December 7, the first attempt to impeach Yoon Suk-yeol failed due to insufficient votes in the National Assembly. The ruling People Power Party (PPP) managed to block the motion despite internal criticism and defections.

Amid mounting pressure, the opposition persisted, passing a second impeachment bill on December 14 with bipartisan support. This time, several PPP lawmakers joined the vote. President Yoon Suk-yeol was immediately suspended from office pending a Constitutional Court review.

President Yoon Suk-yeol remains under investigation for potential constitutional violations related to the martial law declaration. Allegations of corruption surrounding Yoon’s administration, including his wife Kim Keon-hee, have also resurfaced. High-ranking PPP lawmakers like Choo Kyung-ho and other military officials are reportedly being investigated for their roles in the crisis.

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The entertainment industry’s involvement highlights the intersection of culture and politics in South Korea. While the Constitutional Court’s decision on Yoon’s fate remains pending, public reactions and online discussions reflect ongoing societal tensions.