K-pop Idols Shun the ‘V’ Sign Ahead of South Korea’s Presidential Election
In the days leading up to South Korea’s 21st presidential election on June 3, 2025, many K-pop idols have consciously avoided using the iconic ‘V’ hand gesture in their public appearances. This gesture, long a staple of photo ops and livestreams, has become politically charged due to its association with the ruling People Power Party—represented by the number 2 on the ballot and the color red. Notable artists including NMIXX’s Bae, TXT, and the virtual group PLAVE have all adjusted their usual poses to steer clear of any unintentional endorsement or perceived political statement.
## Political Context
- **Election Date:** June 3, 2025
- **Reason for Early Election:** Originally scheduled for winter, the election was moved up following recent political events and controversies.
- **People Power Party Symbolism:** The party is identified by the color red and the number 2. The ‘V’ sign resembles the numeral two, heightening concerns over perceived partisanship.
- **Industry Sensitivity:** In South Korea’s highly polarized environment, public figures—especially younger entertainers with large, socially active fanbases—are under intense scrutiny. A single gesture can be interpreted as support or endorsement.
## Impact on K-pop Idols
### 1. NMIXX’s Bae
During a YouTube livestream, Bae realized she had instinctively formed a ‘V’ sign with her fingers. Alarmed by the potential political connotations, she quickly corrected the gesture and apologized to fans. “I didn’t mean any political statement,” she said, visibly distressed. “I’ll be more careful from now on.” This moment underscored how even spontaneous, long-standing habits can have unintended ramifications in the current climate.
### 2. TXT (Tomorrow X Together)
TXT members have collectively shifted to alternative poses and hand signs during fan events, photo shoots, and livestreams. Instead of the ‘V’, they now offer waving hands, heart shapes made with both hands, or simple thumbs-up signs. Their label confirmed this change was a direct response to management guidelines aimed at avoiding any misinterpretation.
### 3. PLAVE
The virtual K-pop group PLAVE, known for their animated performances and digital fan engagements, has likewise altered their customary end-of-show gesture. During recent online concerts, character avatars replaced the ‘V’ sign with a sparkling star or a heart-shaped frame around the face. Company spokespeople noted that they provided new gesture templates to the animation team to guarantee consistency and compliance.
## Broader Industry Response
- **Entertainment Agencies’ Directives:** Many agencies have circulated memos advising talent to avoid any hand sign or pose that can be construed as numerically or symbolically linked to political parties. This includes the ‘V’ sign (two fingers), certain color combinations, and even specific slogans.
- **Fan Community Reactions:** While some fans appreciate the idols’ caution, others express concern that the purity of fan-idol interactions is being undermined by political fears. Hashtags such as #PureFanship and #IdolExpressions have trended briefly on social media as fans debate artistic freedom versus social responsibility.
- **Media Coverage:** Major Korean and international outlets have highlighted this phenomenon, often framing it within the larger narrative of how politics permeate every aspect of public life in South Korea. Analysts note that the entertainment sector, with its global reach and young audience, represents both a risk and an opportunity for political stakeholders.
## Expert Analysis
Political commentators emphasize that the people’s heightened sensitivity reflects deep-seated divisions. Dr. Kim Seong-ho, a professor of political science at Yonsei University, observes:
“The anxiety surrounding simple gestures like the ‘V’ sign is symptomatic of broader societal tensions. When citizens—especially celebrities—must self-censor to this extent, it reveals the profound impact of political symbolism in everyday life.”
Media law specialist Lee Jae-min adds:
“Legally, there is no prohibition on the ‘V’ sign. However, the informal pressures of public opinion and potential backlash can be more influential than any statute.”
## Conclusion
As South Korea heads to the polls on June 3, the absence of the once-ubiquitous ‘V’ sign among K-pop idols is a poignant indicator of the nation’s politically charged atmosphere. What began as an innocent pose has transformed into a fraught symbol—one that idols, agencies, and fans navigate with caution. Regardless of electoral outcomes, this moment will likely be remembered as a testament to how deeply politics can infiltrate cultural rituals, reshaping even the simplest expressions of joy and solidarity.
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Source: News18 – Why K-pop Idols Are Avoiding the ‘V’ Sign Ahead of South Korea’s Presidential Election (June 1, 2025)
https://www.news18.com/movies/hollywood/why-k-pop-idols-are-avoiding-v-sign-ahead-of-south-koreas-presidential-election-ws-l-aa-aa-9361865.html