What Happened?
Choi Siwon of SUPER JUNIOR recently found himself at the center of a firestorm after sharing a tribute to American conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The tribute, posted on his social media, was meant to honor a tragic shooting incident—but it didn’t sit well with everyone.
The Controversial Tribute
On June 12, Siwon posted “REST IN PEACE CHARLIE KIRK” on his social media accounts, along with a family photo and a Bible verse. The post aimed to express condolences over Kirk’s reported death during a speaking event (Note: this has not been confirmed by major U.S. outlets at the time of writing).
Kirk is best known as the founder of Turning Point USA, a far-right political organization that staunchly supports Donald Trump and promotes Christian conservative values. Given his polarizing politics, responses to Siwon’s tribute were swift and divided.
Fan Reactions: Applause and Outrage
While some fans sympathized with Siwon’s message of condolence, others were outraged by who he chose to mourn publicly. “This feels like an endorsement, not just a tribute,” one fan tweeted. The hashtag #SIWON_OUT began trending, especially among international fans, calling for accountability and even his removal from the group.
Some took it a step further, launching accounts demanding Siwon’s departure from SUPER JUNIOR. The fandom, known for its solidarity, suddenly felt deeply divided over what many see as a moral and political issue.
Siwon Responds—And Deletes
In a message shared via the fan communication app Bubble, Siwon clarified: “Charlie Kirk was a father and a husband, and he lost his life during a speech. Regardless of political beliefs, it was a painful and tragic event, and that’s why I paid my respects.”
He admitted deleting the post after media attention twisted the message: “It was interpreted differently from what I intended. But since interest continues, I wanted to explain again.”
Doubling Down on Faith
Despite the backlash, Siwon stands firm in his beliefs. “I’m fine. Pray for those who criticize me—that’s the Christian way,” he wrote, referencing scripture again amid the uproar.
It’s not the first time Siwon has shared faith-based content, but this incident reignites the ongoing public debate about where the line lies between personal convictions and public responsibility—especially for global idols like him.
What’s Next For Siwon?
While SM Entertainment has not officially addressed the controversy, Siwon’s statements make one thing clear: he’s not backing down from his stance, even when the internet is on fire. Whether the fanbase calms down—or the calls for his cancellation get louder—remains to be seen.
