K-pop stars, actors join fan backlash after South Korea's shock loss to South Africa

When South Korea suffered a 1-0 defeat to South Africa in its final Group A match — a game in which a draw would have been enough to secure automatic qualification for the Round of 32 — criticism poured in not only from soccer fans but also from K-pop stars and actors known for their passion for the sport.

For celebrities, particularly K-pop idols whose words and actions are closely scrutinized, publicly expressing opinions on current events is relatively rare.

When they do, it is often because ...