On June 3, 2025, South Korean actress Park Hae-mi sparked a wave of attention and conversation by posting a striking photo and video of herself dressed entirely in blue on her social media accounts. The day coincided with the 21st presidential election in South Korea, a time when political colors and affiliations often become hot topics among the public and celebrities alike.
Park Hae-mi, a well-known musical actress with a career spanning decades, shared a message alongside her post that read, "Today is also a day to be thankful #ParkHaemi #Gratitude #Happy." In the video, she stood confidently in her matching blue outfit, holding a coffee cup in front of a café, smiling brightly, and wishing her fans, "Have a happy day today." The vibrant blue of her clothing was unmistakable, capturing the eyes of netizens and stirring debate across social media platforms.
Blue in South Korea is widely recognized as the symbolic color of the Democratic Party of Korea, while red is associated with the People Power Party. Given the timing and the color choice, many speculated whether Park’s outfit was a subtle nod of support for the Democratic presidential candidate, Lee Jae-myung. However, Park herself did not clarify any political stance, leaving the interpretation open to the public.
This was not an isolated incident in the entertainment industry during the election period. Other celebrities had openly declared their political preferences. For example, Kim Ga-yeon, Park Hyuk-kwon, Lee Eun-mi, and Kwon Hae-hyo publicly supported Lee Jae-myung. Comedian Kim Soo-yong also joined Lee’s last campaign rally on June 2, 2025, showing his backing. On the other side, entertainers like Kim Heung-gook, Lee Hyuk-jae, Choi Jun-yong, and Noh Hyun-hee voiced their support for the People Power Party candidate, Kim Moon-soo.
The political color controversy is not new in South Korea’s celebrity circles. In previous elections, stars have faced backlash for displaying colors or symbols linked to political parties. Park Hae-mi’s choice to wear all blue on election day, especially amidst such a charged atmosphere, was seen by some as a bold statement in a climate where even the color of clothing can be scrutinized. Some netizens praised her for her cheerful and unapologetic display, leaving comments like, "Hope you are the happiest in the world today," "All colors suit you well," and "Queen Hae-mi," often accompanied by blue heart emojis. Others, however, criticized her, comparing her situation to that of Hong Jin-kyung, who faced negative reactions for wearing red clothes during a politically sensitive time, accusing Park of making a political statement.
Park Hae-mi’s personal life has also been a subject of public interest. She was first married in 1988 and had her first son, but divorced in 1994. She remarried in 1995 to musical director Hwang Min, with whom she had a second son, but they divorced in 2019. Recently, Park has resumed activities on her YouTube channel, sharing updates about her life, which has helped maintain her connection with fans beyond her traditional acting career.
The 21st presidential election itself attracted significant voter engagement, with the National Election Commission reporting a nationwide turnout of 77.8% as of 7 PM on election day. Voting was open until 8 PM, underscoring the high level of civic participation in the democratic process. Park Hae-mi’s post, while seemingly lighthearted and filled with gratitude, was entwined with the political atmosphere of the day, illustrating how even personal expressions by public figures can be viewed through a political lens during such critical moments.
In an era where celebrities' actions are often dissected for political meaning, Park’s all-blue ensemble and positive message stood out as a statement of joy and gratitude on a day charged with political significance. Whether intended as a political gesture or simply a fashion choice, her post ignited discussions about the role of public figures in political discourse and the fine line between personal expression and perceived political alignment.
As the country awaited the election results, Park Hae-mi’s vibrant blue outfit and cheerful demeanor offered a refreshing, if somewhat controversial, splash of color on a day dominated by political fervor. Her choice highlighted the complex interplay between celebrity culture and politics in South Korea, reminding us that sometimes, a simple outfit can carry a world of meaning.
