Why K-Pop idols refrain from holding up the 'peace' sign during South Korea's presidential elections

Did you know that during presidential election season, K-Pop idols should take caution when putting up the "peace" sign or the "V"-sign?

It's because during election season, netizens are particularly sensitive to two things: the numbers 1 and 2, and the colors blue and red. 

South Korea's voter turnout rate is fairly high, at approximately 77%. 

Typically, the majority of South Korean voters will go to the voting site and choose between "1" or "2". The number one represents the Democratic Party, also represented by the color blue. The number two represents the conservative People Power party, also represented by the color red. 

In the past and even during the 2022 elections, which have been under way since last week, these numbers and colors have caused controversies online. 

Super Junior's Heechul received criticism this year for holding up the "peace" sign after uploading proof that he voted this past weekend, as netizens claimed he was "showing party bias". 

NCT member Sungchan also made headlines this year as he was seen wearing a blue, denim jacket and blue shoes to the election polls.

Hence, some idol group leaders take extra precaution during this time period:

Boy group ATEEZ caused laughter when they posed in front of the press at the voting polls this year:

Thus, many K-Pop stars choose to wear muted colors like black when heading to the polls:

Here's another way celebrities can bypass any opportunities to cause controversy:

Meanwhile, vote tallying for South Korea's 2022 presidential elections begin today, March 9 KST.