K-pop fandom fuels Colombian presidential candidate's campaign

As Colombia heads into a presidential election runoff, one candidate is making waves by tapping into a powerful and often overlooked demographic: K-pop fans. Iván Duque, the ruling party's candidate, has embraced the vibrant global fandom of South Korean pop culture to energize his campaign.

Duque's campaign has adopted distinctive slogans that resonate with K-pop enthusiasts. Phrases like 'Oppa,' a term used by Korean women to refer to older brothers or close male friends, and 'Saranghae,' meaning 'I love you' in Korean, are being used in campaign materials. This unconventional approach aims to connect with younger voters who are deeply engaged with K-pop culture.

The strategy highlights a growing trend of political campaigns seeking to engage with niche online communities. By adopting the language and symbols of K-pop fandom, Duque's team is attempting to build a unique connection with a generation that may otherwise feel disengaged from traditional politics.

This K-pop-inspired campaign is set against the backdrop of other innovative election tactics. The article notes that the conservative camp is employing artificial intelligence (AI) in its own election strategies, showcasing a broader shift towards digital and culturally relevant methods in modern political campaigning.