Global protests and boycotts continue to be organized against companies that have ties with or have supported Israel during the ongoing Israel-Palestine crisis. The most recent estimates of lives lost in the Gaza Strip in Palestine during the ongoing Israel-Palestine crisis since October have exceeded 25,000 people.
Movements such as the Palestinian-led BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement have advocated for targeted consumer boycotts in an effort to “stop selling products from companies profiting from Israel’s crimes.”
A few of the companies that are being boycotted. | BDS Movement
Brands that are currently being boycotted due to their perceived complicity in the oppression of Palestinians include American companies such as Starbucks, McDonald’s, Hewlett Packard, Burger King, Disney, and more.
After worldwide boycotts Starbucks has lost $11 BILLION in market value. Starbucks’ CEO stated: “Our stance is clear. We stand for humanity.”
More Starbucks locations shut down as the boycott movement goes global. Starbucks is becoming desperate and is begging.
People power. pic.twitter.com/MK5QNjnAfk
— Mohamad Safa (@mhdksafa) December 25, 2023
McDonalds is not coping well with the McBoycott over its free McGenocide meals for IDF terrorists while Israel starves Palestinians in Gaza. pic.twitter.com/qvIxtZpnqx
— Polly Tickal (@BubblesToBurst) January 17, 2024
K-Pop fans have continued holding companies and artists accountable for supporting or continuing to consume, engage with, profit from, promote, or partner with brands being boycotted.
Recent examples include fans contacting the companies of idols continuing to engage with boycotted brands, such as Starbucks and McDonald’s, in order to raise awareness and call for artists to stop engaging with the brands.
Please read carefully and share this. We need to reach as many people as possible. #StrikeAgainstThe4 pic.twitter.com/jTjHOMYjTi
— evie the hee girlie (@thee_lee_hee) January 22, 2024
Fans have recently organized a boycott against Korea’s “Big 4” companies, SM Entertainment, YG Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, and HYBE, for their support of brands currently on the boycott list.
The boycott against the “Big 4,” which has been using #strikeagainstthe4 to organize information and bring awareness to the cause, calls for fans to “stand in solidarity with the citizens of Palestine” by declaring a strike on purchasing merchandise or buying or streaming music by the companies’ artists from January 23-28.
OPEN THE FULL PIC #StrikeAgainstThe4 pic.twitter.com/RNjAOk212U
— jasz 자스 is streaming level (@tyunphd) January 21, 2024
Fans have compiled a list of artists who are currently signed with the “Big 4” companies or whose music rights are currently owned by the companies for people to avoid during the boycott.
Many are urging others to participate in the movement and are sharing more information about the purpose and benefits of the boycott.
More detailed explanation on what #StrikeAgainstThe4 is, also its purpose & benefits! Please Spread https://t.co/LVa19NOXV0 pic.twitter.com/gec5qm5fZy
— jasz 자스 is streaming level (@tyunphd) January 22, 2024
To anyone who is hesitant, we are simply asking you to live without music and merches for 5 days. Remember, Palestinians are living without necessities and their homes. This is the least we can do for them as humans. #StrikeAgainstThe4
— Jin’s Chamchi (@dtsugadl) January 21, 2024
jsyk all ugc (user generated content) with music on youtube generates money for the label because of their content id system so if you have physical cds you should use them or download mp3s locally to your phone
— the bts misser (@jimin985_) January 21, 2024
Netizens have also recently called on SM Entertainment to end their association with McDonald’s. Check out more on that below:
SHINee’s Key Might Be Promoting McDonald’s Again, And Fans Are Not Happy
Fans are calling on the “Big 4” to end support of boycotted brands.