Nowadays in Korea, celebrity activists are getting involved in social activities. Celebrities voice their opinions on political and social issues, and are gaining increasing support.

These outspoken celebrities are referred to as ‘socialtainers,’ or entertainers who engage in civic group activities.

Entertainer activists have had their sights set on drawing public attention to matters at hand, especially nonpartisan issues on humanitarian grounds. They actively communicate with other citizens on social networking services (SNS), through which thoughts are shared freely.

Leading celebrity activists Kim Yoh-Jin and Park Hye-Kyung engaged in rallies calling for half-priced college tuition and the labor strike at Hanjin Heavy Industries. Moreover, Kim Yoh-Jin held a fundraising campaign to put an ad in The Chosun Ilbo to publicize the cleaning women strike at Hongik University. Kim succeeded within six days after appealing to the public.

Most people would not have expected that entertainer activists would have such considerable influence in such a short period of time. However, the considerable impact of their participation came as a surprise. Celebrity activism can play a significant role in providing a forum for open public discussion and encourage participation.

This goes to show that perhaps many people have wanted to participate in our society. Movements fueled by celebrity activists, which have their roots in humanitarianism and SNS, tapped this swelling interest. Celebrity interactions are thought to have generated public awareness on various social issues and have contributed to fostering a stronger sense of community among the citizens.

Now for sure, celebrity activists came into the spotlight and enjoy the support of many people. Still, however, many critics are anxious lest nonprofessionals incite the public.

Celebrities continue to present their opinions on political and ideological issues, which are discussed in professional circles. Some also say their popularity and attention from mass media do not necessarily mean that celebrities have gained significant influence in politics. 

Supporters of celebrity activists argue that their approaches to solving problems are neither political nor ideological. These supporters say the activists merely provide a sympathetic ear for people asking for help, setting a tone that many people can relate to. Therefore, professionalism should not be a precondition for such celebrity activism. Some supporters also insist that in today’s society, the public is knowledgeable enough to distinguish reasonable claims from preposterous ones. People do not fall in line with celebrities just because of their fame. Furthermore, supporters claim that celebrity efforts to help the weak could boost sympathy among the public because they were not carried out for political purposes.

From now on, the attitudes of celebrities and the people are just as important, if not even more important, than catching the public eye. People do not call upon celebrity activists to be equipped with the knowledge professionals have. And the public is not likely to follow the words of celebrities with little expertise on a given subject.

Culminating a long and steady effort, celebrity activists can gradually build expertise. When someone objects to the opinion of a celebrity, he or she has the right to criticize that celebrity as well. However, it is appropriate to judge celebrity activists only on the basis of their views and their actions, not their popularity.

Reporter Kim Ji-Su                                                  

Violette@kookmin.ac.kr