Cha Eun Woo’s Glamorous Post Backfires as South Korea Faces Political Turmoil: ‘Are You Really this Clueless?’

K-pop idol-turned-actor Cha Eun Woo of ASTRO is drawing criticism online after his recent Instagram post, which Korean netizens perceive as “insensitivity” towards an ongoing political crisis in South Korea.

The backlash comes as the country faces a wave of protests calling for the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol in the wake of his controversial martial law declaration.

Public figures who speak out and express support for the protestors have received praise, while many who have chosen to remain silent or share unrelated content have faced public scrutiny.

The post contained photos that Cha Eunwoo took during a recent VOGUE Korea photoshoot, which many netizens believed to be inappropriate, especially during the present circumstances.

The comments on the post indicate growing frustration from netizens, as some are claiming that the idol is neglecting the national crisis.

“In a moment when the nation is suffering … why post something like this now?” one user commented.

• “Given the current struggles of the country, why share something like this now?”
• “You should at least be aware of the situation around you…”
• “Seriously, you need to come to the National Assembly.”
• “Regardless of the circumstances, you’re aware of Korea’s situation right now, so why post this now?”
• “Dongmin, are you really this unaware?”

Others recommended that he either acknowledge the protests or that he stay off social media during such a fraught time.

Amidst the torrent of negativity, there are those who have come to Cha Eunwoo’s defence, claiming that he has no obligation to make a political statement.

Supporters say the backlash is unjustified because he has not turned on the protestors.

The pressure on celebrities in South Korea to address political issues is rising, and the situation spotlights that dynamic. As protests spread, Korean netizens are watching public figures closely for their responses — or lack thereof.

Here are other comments from the online media forum Pann:

• “Cha Eunwoo, can you not see what’s going on? Come on, wake up!”
• “Look at the situation in the country; what are you doing at this moment?”
• “You’re like a beautiful peach that has no flavor.”
• “Wake up! Do you even keep up with the news?”
• “This handsome man always looks incredible.”

There has been no public statement from Cha Eunwoo yet regarding the criticism.