Chinese media Global Times reported on the 3rd that it published an article stating that the 'color controversy' has rekindled in South Korea as elections approach.

According to the article, before the main voting for the 9th National Simultaneous Local Elections began on the 3rd in South Korea, a certain netizen posted on SNS with the caption, "I finished early voting and am eating tteokbokki," two photos: one of regular red tteokbokki and another of blue tteokbokki, which was the same photo but with a filter applied. Given that the symbol color of the progressive ruling party 'Democratic Party of Korea' is blue and that of the conservative opposition party 'People Power Party' is red, it is understood that this post was made to avoid being misunderstood as supporting a specific political party by only posting a photo of red tteokbokki.

The hair color of a certain female rapper also stirred controversy. When she posted a photo of her red-dyed hair on SNS with the comment, "I really like it," she received criticism, and was forced to publish a photo of her hair re-dyed black, stating, "I posted a story that was too untimely and surprised everyone. I am deeply sorry and reflecting on it."

A certain company employee who reportedly cast an early vote in Seoul also became a topic of conversation for specifically wearing a white shirt and black trousers to the polling station.

During the 19th presidential election, there was also an entertainer who took a photo to prove they voted while wearing blue and red two-toned clothing.

During the election period, given the hypersensitive reactions to colors like red and blue on SNS, one can see "efforts" to consider political neutrality, from celebrities like entertainers to ordinary people. (Translation/Editing by Yanagawa)