The NCT lightstick is making headlines for an unexpected reason — it's become the hottest protest item, taking over secondhand markets!

"This is the NCT lightstick that went viral as a protest item this time", one user said. "I used it during last year's NCT Dream fan concert, and it’s brighter than the version 2 released this year. Get it now!"

K-pop idol lightsticks are causing a surprising shortage on platforms like Danggeun Market and other online secondhand trading sites.

This phenomenon started when lightsticks replaced traditional candles at major protests calling for the president's impeachment.

On December 7th, during a rally in Yeouido, Seoul, many women in their 20s and 30s were seen waving colorful K-pop lightsticks instead of LED candles. With a second round of protests scheduled this weekend after the impeachment vote, demand for lightsticks has exploded across the country.

These lightsticks, which are made in limited editions to match each fanbase, are already sold out. As new stock is unavailable, people are turning to counterfeit or secondhand options.

On December 9th, there was a surge in idol lightstick transactions on Danggeun Market all over Seoul. Among the many idol group lightsticks, NCT’s is the hottest commodity, thanks to its strong lighting and easy customization.

The cube-shaped design makes it simple to add protest phrases like "Impeach" or "Resign", allowing people to express their individuality. The second most popular lightstick is from Epik High, often called “Park Kyubong”, due to its middle finger-shaped design — a fitting symbol for protests.

The secondhand price for an NCT lightstick is around 40,000 KRW, while lightsticks from BLACKPINK, EXO, Sung Si Kyung, BIGBANG, and SHINee are being traded for 20,000 to 40,000 KRW, depending on their condition and accessories. Some people are even offering lightsticks for rent with a deposit of 50,000 KRW, for protest use.

An insider from the music industry commented, "Even the merchandise managers probably never imagined these lightsticks would be used in protests."

He added, “This shows the mindset of the MZ generation, who have a strong dislike for authority." It’s especially ironic, he noted, that the NCT lightstick, once called the “tonkatsu hammer” or “Thor’s hammer” by fans, is now being used as a tool for political resistance.

During the protest, songs like BIGBANG's "Crooked" and Rosé’s "APT." helped pump up the energy. When tracks from SHINee, Girls' Generation, BTS, SEVENTEEN, and aespa were played, it felt just like a concert in the streets.

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IU recently revealed that she watched her own concert film in a public theater, but shockingly, no one recognized her—even when she dropped a hint!

On February 27, a new video featuring IU was released, showing her inside a car on her way to Daejeon.

She excitedly shared, “This is a surprise stage greeting for UAENA! I picked this location through a ladder game when I did stage greetings.”

Previously, IU had let fate decide which city she would visit after her stage greetings. She happily said, “There are UAENAs everywhere I go. Wherever I go, it's a flowery path.” The game ultimately led her to Daejeon.

IU originally hoped to explore the city, saying, “I wanted to visit Daejeon's pride, Sung Sim Dang, and walk around, but my team said it wouldn’t be possible. The lines are too long, and it’s freezing outside.” She sighed, adding, “So, things turned out this way.”

Dressed up for the occasion, IU smiled, saying, “I don’t get to meet UAENAs in Daejeon often, so I wanted to make a surprise appearance looking my best.”

She also joked about enjoying surprise events, adding, “As long as Hanteo oppa drives me safely, I’m happy.”

But what really caught fans' attention was IU’s unexpected confession—she had secretly watched her concert film in a theater, but no one noticed her! “No one recognized me at all. There weren’t that many people, and it was a weekday… but still! I even gave a hint!” she said, sounding both amused and surprised.

Later, when IU finally appeared at the theater, her fans were overwhelmed with emotion. Some even burst into tears, prompting her to gently say, “You really didn’t expect me to come, right?”

After wrapping up her stage greeting, IU laughed at herself, saying, “Wait, did I just do a 40-minute one-woman show? I must have talked so much.”

On her way back to Seoul, IU reflected on the day, sharing, “It was so cold today. I shook hands with all the UAENAs. My hands are usually cold, and since the weather was freezing, I think I made a lot of people’s hands cold, too. But after touching so many warm hands, mine became warm, too. I still haven’t washed them.”

Her love for her fans truly knows no bounds!

Source: [1]