K-Pop Idol Light Sticks Gather at Yeouido, Transforming Protest Culture

“Into the New World”: A K-Pop Anthem with Lasting Impact

The debut single “Into the New World,” penned by lyricist Kim Jeong-bae and composed by Kenzie, stands as a powerful blend of stirring melodies and uplifting lyrics. When combined with the group’s dynamic choreography, the song encapsulates a sense of energy and passion that resonates deeply with listeners.

A Rallying Anthem Beyond Music

This track gained particular significance during the 2016 protests at Ewha Womans University, where it transcended its role as a piece of entertainment to emerge as a cultural and social symbol. As demonstrators embraced it, “Into the New World” illustrated K-pop’s evolution from a mere entertainment genre to a powerful societal influencer, earning it the affectionate title of the “Morning Dew” for younger generations.

The Song’s Resonance in Contemporary Protests

While it may not be explicitly political, the song’s themes of hope and restoration resonate with collective desires for change, reflecting a longing to restore balance and justice in society. In 2020, amid anti-government protests in Thailand that called for political reforms, the anthem once again found its way into the hearts of the youth, solidifying its status as a global symbol of resistance.

This Light Stick Appeared at the Impeachment Rally “What’s Its Identity?”

The recent protests in Yeouido, which focused on the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol following a controversial martial law declaration, revived the song once more. Participants expressed their determination through its poignant lyrics, particularly emphasizing the line, “I want to send you my depressing times / But you will only hear it after it all scatters.”

K-Pop Soundtrack to Protest

Protesters created a vibrant playlist featuring a mix of timeless hits and contemporary favorites, including tracks like aespa’s “Whiplash,” H.O.T./NCT DREAM’s “Candy,” Rosé’s “APT.,” and classics like g.o.d’s “One Candle.” The scene captured the essence of youth culture as predominantly young women aged 20 to 30 swapped traditional candles for K-pop light sticks, transforming the protest space into a vibrant display of color and solidarity.

International outlets such as The New York Times and AFP highlighted the striking visuals of K-pop-inspired protests, where colorful light sticks illuminated the winter night, creating an atmosphere akin to a lively K-pop concert.

The Evolution of Light Sticks in K-Pop

The culture of K-pop light sticks has dramatically evolved since the 2nd generation of K-pop fandoms, transitioning from simple glowing wands to the complex, iconic designs seen today. The first notable 3D light stick, often attributed to BIGBANG and designed by G-Dragon, marked a significant milestone in fandom culture.

These light sticks have become symbols of identity for various fandoms, each representing not only loyalty to a specific group but also a collective spirit of expression and community.

Light Sticks as Tools of Protest

In protest scenarios, light sticks showcase several practical benefits, including their portability and long-lasting illumination, making them more favorable than traditional candles. With some models glowing for over seven hours on a single charge, they serve as resilient symbols of individual passion and collective unity, embodying the independent ethos of the MZ generation.

As K-pop continues to flourish as a global movement, its dedicated fanbase has increasingly engaged in social and political discourse. The “National Light Stick Union” at the Yeouido protest highlighted this phenomenon, uniting various groups under a dazzling spectrum of lights that illustrated solidarity and shared purpose.

A NewJeans enthusiast expressed, “With everything happening lately, the announcement of martial law felt like the breaking point. But being in this crowd, surrounded by all these light sticks, ignited a sense of peace. They’ve transformed into our generation’s flags.”

The global influence of light sticks is also being recognized beyond the borders of South Korea. In 2022, the Victoria and Albert Museum in the UK featured K-pop light sticks in its “Hallyu! The Korean Wave” exhibit, emphasizing their significance within fandom culture. South Korean athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympics even carried digital flags inspired by K-pop light sticks, a creation from HYBE.

Conclusion: From Fandom to Civic Engagement

Light sticks have transitioned from mere emblems of fandom into vital components of civic expression within contemporary protests. Their emergence as symbols of unity signifies not only the evolution of K-pop’s influence in societal matters but also the deepening commitment of its audience to strive for positive change.

Source: Nate

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