South Koreans Turn Funeral Wreaths and K-Pop Light Sticks into Political Protest Symbols
SEOUL (AP) — Amid South Korea’s most significant political crisis in decades, citizens are using unconventional protest methods, repurposing funeral wreaths and K-pop light sticks to voice dissent over President Yoon Suk Yeol’s controversial short-lived martial law declaration in December.
Hundreds of wreaths, mainly directed at Yoon, have been sent to his residence and government buildings tied to impeachment proceedings, with others targeting officials involved in the martial law controversy. Estimates suggest several thousand wreaths have been delivered to government offices.
While some wreaths contain moderate messages supporting Yoon or opposing impeachment, others feature extreme rhetoric. The black-ribboned funeral wreaths with white chrysanthemums and celebratory wreaths adorned with roses and orchids—costing up to $75—reflect South Korea’s intensifying political divide.
A Growing Form of Protest
This protest method has gained traction, receiving increasing media attention in recent years. Data from Big Kinds, a platform analyzing news articles from over 100 local outlets, shows that media coverage of wreath protests quadrupled in 2024 compared to 2023. News coverage of this protest tactic began appearing in the early 2010s, though its exact origins remain unclear.
While many flower shops deny receiving protest wreath orders and some online retailers emphasize political neutrality, certain florists have become key players in the movement.
Yoon Miyoung, of Seoul-based Dongsung Flower, stated she has delivered over 1,000 wreaths since December, primarily for pro-Yoon supporters. “We’ve sent out so many wreaths that Seoul is running out of flowers,” she remarked, noting that a third of her customers are in their 20s and 30s, with orders coming from abroad, including Japan, the United States, and the Netherlands.
Sociological and Environmental Implications
Sociology professor Choi Hang-sub from Kookmin University noted that while wreaths avoid physical violence, their messages have evolved into a form of offline hate speech akin to malicious online comments.
Professor Kim Hern Sik of Jungwon University described wreath protests as “an isolated form of demonstration limited to certain political groups,” making it challenging to garner widespread public support.
Experts also highlight the environmental impact of wreath protests. “Most wreaths use inexpensive, non-eco-friendly materials that neither benefit flower farmers nor the environment,” said Kim.
The Role of K-Pop Culture in Protests
Despite concerns, experts see potential in younger generations’ evolving protest tactics. “K-pop fandom culture, particularly among young women in their teens and 20s, is now being applied to political rallies,” said Kim.
In December, outside the National Assembly during Yoon’s impeachment vote, thousands of demonstrators wielded K-pop light sticks—costing around $50 each—from bands like BIGBANG, NCT, and Epik High in pro-impeachment protests.
“Even though these idol light sticks are expensive, people are bringing their most treasured items to express their opinions,” said Hong Gayeong, a 29-year-old protester at a Dec. 13 rally calling for Yoon’s impeachment. This trend has led to a new protest coalition, with activists offering free shipping and rental services for light sticks through resale apps.
Political Uncertainty Ahead
The crisis began on Dec. 3, when Yoon declared martial law and deployed troops to the National Assembly, prompting his impeachment 11 days later. He was arrested on Jan. 19 in a large-scale law enforcement operation at his residence.
The Constitutional Court now has 180 days to decide whether to permanently remove him from office or reinstate him, as he faces potential rebellion charges.