South Korea's presidential race dances to the beat of K-pop hits
In
South Korea 's high-stakes presidential campaign, K-pop isn't just a cultural backdrop – it's a political strategy.
Both major parties are leaning on
Korean pop hits to energise voters, blending choreography and catchy lyrics with political messaging.
Among the favourites at campaign rallies: Kim Jong-kook's Lovable and Young Tak's Next Door Oppa, are now fixtures in events across the country.
But unlike the last US presidential election, where Kamala Harris secured endorsements from
Beyoncé and
Taylor Swift , South Korean artists have shied away from direct campaigning, which risks alienating fans.
The opposition Democratic Party (DPK) has deployed a 48-member 'Shouting Korea' team, which travels nationwide in mobile units designed to create festive, street-level rallies.
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