The controversy surrounding Siwon Choi, a member of the popular South Korean boy band Super Junior, has intensified following his response to the death of Charlie Kirk, an American conservative activist. Kirk, who passed away on March 15, 2024, was known for founding Turning Point USA, a right-wing organization that promotes conservative and pro-Trump ideologies. His passing has drawn mixed reactions, leading to heated discussions within the fan community.
Siwon shared his condolences on Instagram, posting a story that included a quote from the Bible’s Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:23): “Well done, good and faithful servant.” This scripture is often interpreted as a reflection on stewardship and moral responsibility. While Siwon intended to express sympathy, many fans perceived his tribute as inappropriate given Kirk’s controversial reputation, which included accusations of fostering intolerance and polarization in American society.
In response to the backlash, Siwon took to the messaging platform Bubble to clarify his stance. He described Kirk’s death as “a heartbreaking tragedy beyond any political stance,” emphasizing his view of Kirk as a fellow Christian and a family man. He stated, “Regardless of the circumstances, the fact that he lost his life in a shooting while giving a lecture in front of countless college students is a heartbreaking tragedy.” Siwon later removed his Instagram post, believing his intentions had been misunderstood.
Despite his efforts to address the situation, some fans are calling for Siwon’s removal from Super Junior. An Instagram account named @siwon_out has gained traction, posting over 30 times about Siwon and voicing strong disapproval of his actions. The account’s bio expresses sentiments such as “Siwon holds hands with genocidal war criminals. He should not be representing Super Junior.”
Siwon’s engagement with the account has further fueled the controversy. In response to a post that included hashtags like “#WeHateYouForever_SIWON” and “#SIWON_OUT,” he commented “I LOVE YOU,” which garnered over 500 likes and sparked a flurry of reactions from netizens. Many expressed their disappointment, while others defended Siwon, arguing that the backlash is unwarranted.
The situation has escalated beyond social media. Reports indicate that some members of Super Junior have unfollowed Siwon, hinting at potential internal strife within the group. This development has attracted significant media attention, with discussions centering on the implications for the band’s unity and public image.
Siwon’s past controversies, including a dog bite incident that resulted in a woman’s death, have resurfaced amid the current situation, complicating his public perception. As fans continue to react, the future of Siwon within Super Junior remains uncertain.
The ongoing dialogue around Siwon and his comments serves as a reflection of the broader cultural tensions surrounding political discourse and public figures in the entertainment industry. As discussions unfold, both supporters and critics of Siwon are keenly observing how he navigates this challenging landscape. The outcome of this situation could significantly impact not only his career but also the dynamics within Super Junior as they move forward.