After posting a tribute to U.S. conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Super Junior’s SiWon addressed the political backlash, saying his message wasn’t an endorsement of any ideology.
On Sept. 12 via the fan platform Bubble, SiWon wrote, “He was a Christian, the head of a household, and a husband. Whatever the circumstances, losing one’s life to gunfire while speaking before college students is a heartbreaking tragedy beyond politics. That’s why I paid tribute.”
He continued, “I appreciated the media interest after I shared the post, but when it began to be interpreted in ways I didn’t intend, I felt I’d said what I needed to say and decided to take it down.”
Earlier, SiWon had reshared posts from pastor John Bevere and the Christian community Bible Alive mourning Kirk. One caption called Kirk “one of America’s heroes” who “stood firmly against evil,” which sparked debate that SiWon was endorsing far-right views.
Kirk, the founder and CEO of the conservative group Turning Point USA and a public supporter of President Donald Trump, died on Sept. 10 (local time) after being shot during a debate at Utah Valley University.
Other stars, including actors Choi Jun-yong and Jin Seo-yeon, also posted condolences, but the conversation has remained charged as politics entered the discussion.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)