A handwritten list by an anonymous individual accusing prominent political figures and artist groups of being "China-friendly," "pro-North Korea followers," "communist party" or "commies" is spreading online.
Rep. Jung Chung-rae, a four-term lawmaker of the main opposition liberal Democratic Party of Korea, shared a post on Facebook on Monday that his name had been included on the handwritten list totaling 107 names, without clarifying the origin of the list.
Jung, who had shared the post of former lawmaker Choe Kang-wook, said he was listed just after liberal former President Moon Jae-in and Democratic Party Chair Rep. Lee Jae-myung, sarcastically saying he was "honored."
Also on the list were K-pop celebrities, such as singer-songwriter IU, as well as K-pop groups NewJeans, who now call themselves NJZ, and NMIXX.
IU and NJZ made headlines when they prepaid for food for fans who attended protests in December calling for President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment over the Dec. 3 martial law crisis. Kyujin of NMIXX also told her fans to keep warm at protests supporting Yoon's impeachment through a messaging service with fans.
Globally acclaimed cultural figures, such as Nobel Prize for Literature winner Han Kang, Oscar-winning director Bong Joon-ho of "Parasite," "Squid Game" director Hwang Dong-hyuk and comedian and TV show host Yoo Jae-suk were also on the list.
Among them, Bong led the film industry's statement calling for Yoon's impeachment in December, while Hwang said just before the release of "Squid Game" season 2 that "someone must bear the responsibility by being impeached or by resigning" for intigating the martial law crisis.
consnow@heraldcorp.com
