After martial law, K-pop lightsticks were sought after in online second-hand markets, while souvenir watches bearing the name of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol 'fell in price' like never before.
Boy band NCT's lightstick with the words "Impeachment" on it became a popular item during protests against President Yoon - Photo: YONHAP
According to Yonhap News Agency on December 11, the event of President Yoon Seok Yeol declaring martial law on December 3 caused the demand for K-pop lightsticks to increase sharply on online second-hand markets, and they became a symbol in protests condemning the South Korean leader.
During the protests impeaching President Yoon, many participants used these colorful lightsticks, instead of traditional candles.
Korean media described the protests as nothing more than K-pop performances by many Korean artists such as BlackPink, EXO and NCT, under the magical light of lightsticks.
Among them, the lightstick of boy band NCT attracted much attention thanks to its bright light and beautiful durability. The original price of this lightstick is about 35,000 won (24 USD).
On Joonggonara, South Korea's largest online second-hand marketplace, a person posted an ad for the lightstick with the description "priority for protesters - the brightness of this lightstick is unmatched" for 30,000 won ($21).
Meanwhile, on Karrot, another major flea market, lightsticks range in price from 20,000 to 40,000 won ($14 to $28), depending on the condition of the item. Some even rent them out for free with a 50,000 won ($35) deposit.
On the contrary, the souvenir watch with President Yoon's name on it became an item that was "ignored" by the people.
Once valued at up to 250,000 won ($174) after Mr. Yoon's inauguration in 2022, the watch has now lost any interest.
The souvenir watch named after President Yoon is decorated with a drawing of a golden phoenix and the rose of Sharon, the national flower of Korea - Photo: CHOSUN DAILY
On Karrot, the listed price of this watch model has dropped to a third of its 2022 price, around 80,000 won ($56). On Joonggonara, some sellers have even slashed the price to as low as 60,000 won ($42).
The contrast between the two items reflects a marked change in South Korean attitudes toward President Yoon, and also gives the lightstick a new meaning as it becomes a cultural symbol during protests in the land of kimchi.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/lightstick-k-pop-thanh-hang-hot-tai-han-quoc-mau-dong-ho-tong-thong-yoon-rot-gia-20241211131704869.htm
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