Celebrities including Lee Seung-hwan, Kim Gyu-ri celebrate Lee’s election win

Singer Lee Seung-hwan, left, and actors Kim Eui-sung, center, and Kim Gyu-ri are among celebrities who shared congratulatory messages on social media following the election of Lee Jae-myung. Captured from their social media

Celebrities have taken to social media to celebrate Lee Jae-myung’s victory in South Korea’s presidential election, sharing congratulatory messages and hopes for a better future.

Singer Lee Seung-hwan posted a screenshot of the exit poll results on Tuesday, along with the caption, “From regression to progress,” signaling his optimism about the new administration.

Known for his progressive views, Lee has openly voiced his political stance since the declaration of emergency martial law last year. He previously shared a photo of himself voting early on May 29, dressed in a blue shirt and cap — blue being the color of the Democratic Party of Korea.

Actor Kim Gyu-ri also expressed joy over the election results, writing on Wednesday, “The most beautiful scenery in the world is everything returning to its rightful place,” quoting song lyrics from the band Towner & Town Chief.

She paired the caption with a photo of herself smiling under a blue sky. Kim is currently starring in the occult political thriller, “The Pact.”

Entertainer Harisu shared a direct message of support: “Congratulations to President Lee Jae-myung on your election. Please do your best to ensure the people of our country can live well. Fighting!”

On a more somber note, singer JK Kim Dong-wook expressed disappointment, writing, “In the end, this has led to an outcome where songs that shouldn’t have to be written must now be written. Maybe that’s why I naturally began writing such songs.” He added, “It feels like there will be more times to sing about the world we should never have to endure, rather than love.”

Ahead of the election, many celebrities actively encouraged their fans to vote. Actor Kim Eui-sung wrote on social media, “This vote feels like the most solemn of my 60 years. It’s a moment to judge past constitutional violations, confront a suffocating reality and open a desperate future. I can’t stop trembling as I cast this all-or-nothing ballot. What kind of future do you dream of for our community? Whatever it is, let’s vote for that dream.”

The campaign period was not without controversy. Aespa member Karina and television personality Hong Jin-kyung were both criticized for wearing red clothing, with some online commenters accusing them of signaling political affiliation.

Both Karina and SM Entertainment later clarified that there was no political intent behind her outfit, and Hong issued a public apology, calling her wardrobe choice a mistake.

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