Sunye Faces Online Backlash Over Tribute Post
Former Wonder Girls leader Sunye recently found herself in a digital firestorm after posting a now-deleted tribute to Charlie Kirk, a conservative American activist who was fatally shot. The post, which expressed sympathy for Kirk’s widow, sparked immediate backlash on social media.
“As a Mother, I Was Moved by Her Pain”
In a statement shared on her social media on the 17th, Sunye wrote: “I saw a video of the widow of the late Charlie Kirk speaking after the tragic shooting, and as a fellow mother, I felt her pain deeply. That’s why I posted the tribute.”
But what was meant as a human response turned political fast. Netizens accused her of supporting Kirk’s right-wing ideologies, referencing his close ties with former President Donald Trump and his conservative Christian activism.
Clapping Back at the Critics
Sunye didn’t stay silent. “Strangers flooded my comments with hate and started dragging not just me, but even Wonder Girls into it,” she said. “They blamed me for supporting political views I didn’t mention at all.”
The former idol, who now lives in Canada and frequently shares her thoughts on motherhood, faith, and life, emphasized that her post wasn’t about politics.
“Is Mourning Now a Political Act?”
Her response struck a chord. “Are people seriously laughing over someone’s death just because they disagreed with him?” she asked. Sunye also revealed she had deleted hateful comments and blocked users. “Please don’t be mad at me for wanting to maintain a respectful space.”
In a more philosophical tone, she wrote: “Regardless of our jobs, gender, or beliefs, we are all people. And when someone dies, we should be able to grieve without being placed in a political box.”
Not the First Idol to Get Caught in the Crossfire
Sunye wasn’t alone. K-pop acts like SUPER JUNIOR’s Siwon and singer HAEJOO also posted and later deleted messages mourning Charlie Kirk. Though well-intended, their posts were met with similar criticism, showing just how tricky it is for Korean celebrities to navigate Western political minefields, even when the intent is simply human empathy.
Grief vs. Politics: Where Do We Draw the Line?
Sunye wrapped up her message asking fans and critics alike to separate her personal expression from broader agendas. “Don’t drag religion or politics into simple humanity,” she pleaded. Whether the public agrees—or continues to dissect celebrity posts for political meaning—remains to be seen.
