Supporters of the embattled President Yoon Suk Yeol attack K-pop singer IU with malicious comments, following her show of support for the impeachment protests. Captured from her Instagram

K-pop singer IU has become the target of malicious comments on social media following the detention of President Yoon Suk Yeol. His supporters left inflammatory messages such as "Are you satisfied now?" and "Is this the lawless world you wanted?" after his detention at the Seoul Detention Center on charges of inciting rebellion.

Their onslaught stems from IU's public support for the protests calling for Yoon's impeachment. Last month, IU preordered and paid for food, drinks and supplies at cafes near Yeouido, Seoul, where the impeachment rallies were held.

IU's Instagram was flooded with insults on Thursday, including accusations like "IU is a leftist," "Is this what you wanted?" and "Is IU a Chinese spy?"

IU's fans quickly came to her defense, leaving supportive comments and drowning out hateful messages. Some fans wrote, "Haters will face consequences," and "What did IU do wrong to deserve this?" Others filled her page with supportive posts to counteract the negativity.

Yoon supporters escalated their campaign against IU by sharing lists of companies she endorsed and encouraging boycotts, and even suggesting reporting her to the CIA as a spy.

IU's personal Instagram is flooded with hostile comments from President Yoon Suk Yeol's supporters, Thursday. Captured from her Instagram

IU's agency, EDAM Entertainment, has maintained a strict stance against defamation and threats. In a statement last November, the agency said that it was pursuing legal action against 180 individuals for offenses including defamation, threats and the creation and distribution of deepfake content.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.