South Korean singer Sunye, a former member of K-pop girl group Wonder Girls, has come under fire after posting a social media tribute to American conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The 31-year-old was fatally shot during a debate event at Utah Valley University in the United States on Sept 10.
Sunye’s post followed similar messages posted by K-pop boy band Super Junior’s Choi Si-won, who also drew criticism for mourning Kirk, due to the activist’s history of controversial statements that often stirred political discord.
A co-founder of conservative youth-focused organisation Turning Point USA and a prominent supporter of US President Donald Trump, Kirk frequently focused on culture-war issues and made contentious remarks on gender, race and politics.
On Sept 16, Sunye, 36, uploaded a clip of Kirk’s memorial to her Instagram story, along with a passage from the Bible. The post was removed shortly after, likely in response to mounting backlash.
Some fans and online commentators opposing Kirk expressed disappointment, saying they would unfollow Sunye, calling the situation heartbreaking for her long-time supporters. Critical remarks have continued to appear under her other posts.
Choi, 39, also shared a memorial post on Sept 11 from Christian group Bible Alive and American preacher John Bevere, who described Kirk as “one of America’s heroes” who was “bold in his stand against evil”.
Choi deleted his post after criticism that it appeared to endorse Kirk’s conservative stance. The singer-actor also issued an explanation through fan platform Bubble on Sept 12.
“I deleted the post because it seemed my intention was being misinterpreted,” Choi said. “Regardless of politics, the fact that he lost his life in front of so many university students is a heartbreaking tragedy. That was the reason I mourned him.” – The Korea Herald/Asia News Network
