January 17 —JK Kim Dong Wook, a singer holding Canadian citizenship, is set to face legal action for allegedly violating South Korea's prohibition on political activities by foreign nationals.
The controversy erupted after a social media post went viral. A netizen shared a legal complaint they had filed against the singer, drawing widespread attention.
The post read, “JK Kim Dong Wook is under investigation for violating the ban on foreign nationals' political activities. I used to enjoy his music, but I deleted it all last year.” Attached to the post was a copy of the complaint.
In the document, the complainant stated, “JK Kim Dong Wook (John Kim) relinquished his South Korean citizenship to acquire Canadian citizenship, making him a foreign national. According to Article 17 of the Immigration Control Act, foreign nationals residing in South Korea are prohibited from engaging in political activities. Violators may face penalties.”
The complaint further alleged that JK Kim Dong Wook openly opposed the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol through multiple social media posts. It claimed that he organized a large-scale rally near the presidential residence on January 3 and shared its details on social media, continuing to post politically charged content thereafter.
JK Kim Dong Wook, a Korean-Canadian expatriate who received exemption from South Korea's mandatory military service, has previously sparked controversy for his political views. He openly criticized former Justice Minister Choo Mi Ae on social media, later deleting the posts. He has also appeared on the right-wing YouTube channel HoverLab Inc as a guest, further showcasing his political leanings.
Recently, JK Kim Dong Wook garnered attention for his vocal support of President Yoon Suk Yeol amidst his impeachment following the declaration of martial law. He participated in rallies opposing the impeachment and drew criticism for his remarks about public mourning for victims of the Jeju Air disaster.
The unfolding legal case has ignited debate about the limits of free speech for foreign nationals in South Korea and the enforcement of laws prohibiting their involvement in domestic political affairs.
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