SEOUL: K-pop stars Sunye, formerly of the Wonder Girls, and Choi Si-won of Super Junior, have sparked a wave of backlash after posting tributes to late American conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot in August. Their posts, seen as controversial endorsements, drew heavy criticism from fans and netizens, forcing both idols to swiftly delete the content.
Sunye shared a memorial clip on her Instagram story, quoting verses from 1 John 4:9-10 and praising Kirk for “preaching Jesus Christ until his final moments on Earth.” Choi, meanwhile, re-posted tributes from pastor John Bevere and Bible Alive, which described Kirk as “one of America’s heroes” who “stood firmly against evil.”
The reaction was immediate and fierce. Many fans expressed disappointment, announcing they would unfollow the idols. Critics noted that Kirk was a polarising figure in the U.S., known for hardline views on politics, gender, and race — making public support for him particularly contentious.
As criticism mounted, both stars retracted their posts. Choi later issued a clarification on the fan platform Bubble, attempting to explain his position, while Sunye removed her story but continued to receive negative comments on her other uploads.
The episode has reignited debate in South Korea about the global responsibilities of celebrities. Observers argue that while stars may admire aspects of an individual’s faith or personal life, aligning publicly with figures tied to divisive politics risks damaging their image and alienating international fans.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.