South Koreans Innovate with Funeral Wreaths and K-Pop Light Sticks for Political Protests

South Koreans are creatively using flower wreaths and K-pop light sticks as symbols of protest amid a significant political crisis. This turmoil began when President Yoon Suk Yeol briefly declared martial law in December. Hundreds of wreaths, many aimed at Yoon, have been sent to his residence and government buildings involved in the impeachment process. Local media estimate that thousands of these wreaths have been delivered.

Flower Wreaths as Protest Symbols

The wreaths, which cost up to $75, feature black ribbons with white chrysanthemums or celebratory arrangements with roses and orchids. They carry messages reflecting Korea's political divide. While some support Yoon or oppose impeachment, others contain harsh rhetoric. The use of wreaths as a protest tool has gained popularity, with media coverage increasing significantly over recent years.

The trend of using wreaths for protests has been growing since the early 2010s, although experts cannot pinpoint its exact origin. A search on Big Kinds, a platform analysing articles from over 100 local news outlets, shows that media coverage of wreath protests quadrupled in 2024 compared to 2023. Despite this rise, many flower shops report not receiving orders for protest wreaths.

Impact on Flower Shops and Society

Some shops have become central to this movement. Yoon Miyoung from Dongsung Flower in Seoul reported delivering over 1,000 wreaths since December, mainly for pro-Yoon supporters. "We've sent out so many wreaths that Seoul is running out of flowers," she said. Orders come from both South Korea and abroad, including Japan, the United States, and the Netherlands.

Choi Hang-sub, a sociology professor at Kookmin University, noted that while the form remains unchanged, the flowers and messages vary. "While wreaths avoid physical violence, the messages on funeral wreaths have evolved into a form of offline hate speech," he explained. Professor Kim Hern Sik from Jungwon University described these protests as "an isolated form of demonstration limited to certain political groups."

K-pop Light Sticks in Political Protests

Environmental concerns are also raised about these protests. "Most wreaths use cheap, non-environmentally friendly materials," said Kim Hern Sik. However, Kim sees potential in younger generations' protest methods. "K-pop fandom culture is now being applied to political rallies," he observed.

In December, outside the National Assembly where lawmakers voted to impeach Yoon, thousands used K-pop light sticks costing around $50 from bands like BIGBANG and NCT during pro-impeachment rallies. "Even though these idol lightsticks are expensive ... people are bringing their most precious possessions to express their opinions," said Hong Gayeong, a 29-year-old protester.

Political Crisis and Future Implications

The crisis erupted when Yoon imposed military rule on December 3 and sent troops to the National Assembly. He was impeached 11 days later and apprehended on January 19 in a large-scale law enforcement operation at his residence. The Constitutional Court now has 180 days to decide whether to remove him from office or reinstate him as he faces potential rebellion charges.

This situation highlights how traditional symbols like flower wreaths and modern cultural items like K-pop light sticks are being repurposed for political expression in South Korea's evolving protest landscape.