K-pop power spurs Thai youth protests

Iconic face: A woman taking a photo of a billboard featuring K-pop singer Jimin in Bangkok. — Reuters

FROM raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for Thai protesters to inspiring the youths who join demonstrations through dances and social media, K-pop fans have emerged as a potent political force in Thailand’s anti-government movement.

Earlier this year, K-pop fans in the United States surprised many people by using their social media power to raise funds for Black Lives Matter and to sabotage a re-election rally for President Donald Trump.