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.

Their goal is to produce crowd-friendly events using choreography and classic Korean pop songs before and after the party nominee Lee Jae-myung takes the stage.