South Korean rapper and television personality Lee Young-ji found herself at the center of an unexpected online backlash on May 30, 2026, after sharing casual updates on her social media. The former winner of High School Rapper 3 and Show Me the Money 11 posted recent photos showing off a bold new red-dyed hairstyle paired with a red T-shirt. She even used the track “REDRED” by Cortis as background music.
The timing proved particularly sensitive. The posts went live during South Korea’s early voting period ahead of the June 3 local elections and National Assembly by-elections.
Some netizens quickly interpreted the heavy use of red a color long associated with progressive and left-leaning political forces in the country as a subtle show of support or commentary. Accusations of being “tone-deaf” or injecting politics into entertainment spread rapidly.
Recognizing the stir, Lee deleted the controversial content and addressed the issue directly the following day. In a sincere follow-up post, she appeared with her hair returned to black and wrote:
“I realize now how thoughtless it was to upload that story at such an important time. I was too focused on sharing my daily life and communicating with fans without considering the bigger picture.”
She continued, “Many of you reached out through DMs, and I’m truly sorry. I dyed my hair back as quickly as possible. I will reflect on this and learn to be more careful.” Lee emphasized that she had no political intention and acknowledged her actions came across as careless.
The incident highlights the heightened sensitivity around public figures’ actions during South Korea’s tightly contested election cycles. Even seemingly innocent fashion or content choices can be scrutinized through a political lens, especially on platforms where interpretations spread quickly.
At 25, Lee Young-ji has built a reputation as a relatable, outspoken artist known for her appearances on Pyongyang Earth Arcade and her popular YouTube series. While she has maintained a relatively neutral public image, this episode serves as a reminder of the challenges celebrities face in balancing authenticity with public responsibility.
Lee’s swift apology appears to have calmed much of the immediate criticism, though it also sparked broader online discussions about the pressure on young entertainers navigating Korea’s polarized political climate.
As of now, she has not made further public statements on the matter.
Source:(1)
