Clubhouse Gains Prominence with High-Profile Political Figure

Since its initial release, Clubhouse has amassed an estimated 8 million downloads and its influence is expanding globally, extending beyond its original tech-centric user base.

South Korea’s Prime Minister Joins the Platform

Recent reports from Korean media indicate that Chung Sye-kyun, the current prime minister of South Korea, has officially become a user of the social audio application.

He is using the username @gyunvely, positioning him as one of the most prominent political leaders worldwide to adopt the rapidly growing platform. His account was established on February 14th and was initially “nominated” by a user identified as TJ Park, as Clubhouse currently lacks a verification system for profiles.

Currently, the prime minister has attracted just under 500 followers and is following approximately 200 accounts. This suggests the app’s current level of adoption within one of the world’s most digitally advanced and connected economies.

His Clubhouse biography reads “노란잠바 그 아저씨,” which translates to “That Yellow Jacket Guy.” This is a reference to the Korean civil defense uniform frequently worn by politicians during times of national crisis, including the COVID-19 pandemic. A cartoon depiction of this uniform serves as his profile picture.

Prime Minister’s First Clubhouse Experience

According to reports from local news outlets, Chung Sye-kyun participated in a Clubhouse room for over an hour, engaging in conversation with Jung Cheong-rae, a fellow member of the Democratic Party of Korea.

In a Facebook post shared yesterday, the prime minister stated that he decided to try the app after hearing it was “popular.” He described it as a “nighttime walk.”

He also mentioned being “slightly surprised” by the unexpected questions and responses, but ultimately found the experience enjoyable. He anticipates participating in future discussions periodically.

He elaborated, stating that the audio-only format, allowing for open conversation without reservation, makes it a superior communication tool compared to other social media platforms, particularly in the current context of non-face-to-face interactions.

The discussion encompassed a range of topics, from verifying his identity to addressing key policy concerns such as the escalating cost of real estate and instances of abuse within the sports arena, which have recently been prominent in local media coverage.

Political Engagement on Clubhouse

While Clubhouse initially gained traction among tech enthusiasts and those involved in various entrepreneurial pursuits, it is increasingly becoming a platform for political discourse, mirroring trends observed on other social networks.

Francis Suarez, the mayor of Miami, has utilized Clubhouse to promote his city as a hub for the technology industry. Chesa Boudin, the district attorney of San Francisco, participated in a platform “debate” concerning the future of the city.

Andrew Yang, a candidate for mayor of New York City and advocate for Universal Basic Income (UBI), engaged in a discussion centered around his own platform. Furthermore, Elon Musk, known for his advocacy of Bitcoin and leadership at Tesla, has even suggested hosting Vladimir Putin on Clubhouse for a live conversation.

Global Expansion and Challenges

As Clubhouse expands its global reach, the challenges associated with maintaining its open and relatively unmoderated conversations are receiving increased attention. China has now blocked access to Clubhouse within its borders following a period of uncensored dialogue.

As the app continues to gain mainstream acceptance and generate interest, ongoing questions remain regarding its long-term viability, including how it will support content creators and maintain its growth once social distancing measures related to COVID-19 are lifted.