Introduction

In a surprising development, a faction of right-wing activists in South Korea has escalated their political grievances by lodging complaints against beloved singer IU and other celebrities who have voiced their support for the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol. Reports indicate that these complaints were directed to none other than the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), only to be met with swift rejections.

Complaints Filed with CIA

On October 24th, a user under the alias "A" shared a screenshot of what they claimed was a communication from the CIA on the platform X (formerly known as Twitter), suggesting that the agency was taking the matter seriously. "The CIA has taken action. It's official," they proclaimed. They further asserted that the volume of submissions from South Korea shocked the CIA, hinting at 20,000 to 30,000 reports being filed. This allegation raised concerns that such a large number of reports could potentially influence ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) applications for the targeted individuals.

Background of the Controversy

The root of this controversy stems from IU's charitable actions during a political rally in Yeouido, Seoul, on October 14th. The singer garnered attention for pre-paying at local eateries to provide warmth and nourishment to rally participants braving the harsh weather while calling for President Yoon’s impeachment. Grounded in these events, "A" claimed to have reported IU's selfless act to the CIA, casting it as a politically subversive act against the South Korean administration.

Escalation of Right-Wing Campaigns

In a further extension of their campaign, some right-wing activists organized boycotts of brands associated with IU and compiled lists of celebrities who supported the impeachment efforts, all with the aim of reporting them to the CIA. Their underlying intent appears to paint these figures as "pro-North Korean forces," which they believe could complicate their ability to enter the U.S. or affect their ESTA approvals.

CIA's Response

However, contrary to the proclamations made by "A," the CIA rejected these submissions, citing that the individual had submitted an excessive number of reports in a short span of time. In their response, the CIA explained, "You have submitted too many reports too quickly. Only one report per 10 minutes is allowed from the same computer. This policy is designed to reduce report spamming." The agency also noted that the U.S. State Department, not the CIA, oversees immigration and visa matters.

Social Media Reactions

This incident has incited a flurry of discussion on social media, with many mocking the absurdity and futility of involving an intelligence agency in domestic political issues. Observers suggest that such misguided efforts highlight the troubling intersection of politics and social media in South Korea, where public figures frequently find themselves under fire in an increasingly polarized environment.

Conclusion

As this unusual saga unfolds, it raises questions about the implications of celebrity activism and the lengths to which individuals will go to influence political narratives—even attempting to draw foreign intelligence into the fray.