Actor and Super Junior member Choi Si Won has issued a clarification after sparking controversy with a social media tribute to slain right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.
On September 12th, Choi addressed fans through the communication platform Bubble, explaining: “Charlie Kirk was a Christian, a father, and a husband. Whatever the circumstances, the fact that he lost his life in front of countless college students while giving a lecture is such a heartbreaking tragedy, beyond politics. That is why I wrote the tribute.”
He added that although he was grateful for the attention the post received, it was being misinterpreted: “While I was thankful for the interest, it was taken in a way I hadn’t intended. I believed my feelings had already been conveyed, so I chose to delete it.”
The singer-actor had originally uploaded two images on Instagram on September 11th—one bearing the message “REST IN PEACE CHARLIE KIRK” and another showing Kirk with his wife and children, accompanied by the Bible verse “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
He wasn’t the only Korean celebrity to share condolences. Actress Jin Seo Yeon also posted a tribute, while former Wonder Girls member Sun Ye briefly shared a photo of Kirk with verses from 1 John 4:9-10 before removing it.
>> Another Korean Star in Hot Water After Choi Si Won: Jin Seo Yeon Criticized Over Charlie Kirk Post
The tributes, however, quickly drew criticism. Online commenters highlighted Kirk’s record of racist and misogynistic remarks as well as his defense of gun rights despite repeated mass shootings. Some Super Junior fans even called for Choi to step down from the group, sparking heated debate.
Kirk, a close ally of former U.S. president Donald Trump, was shot and killed on the 10th while delivering a lecture at Utah Valley University. He first rose to prominence as a conservative youth activist in high school and went on to found Turning Point USA, which grew into one of the most influential right-wing youth organizations in the country.
