Actor Jin Seo-yeon faces backlash for mourning slain Trump ally Charlie Kirk
Actor Jin Seo-yeon / Captured from Jin's Instagram
Tributes spark controversy amid Kirk’s history of anti-LGBTQ, anti-immigrant rhetoric
Actor Jin Seo-yeon is under fire after posting a tribute to Charlie Kirk, a close ally of U.S. President Donald Trump who was fatally shot last week.
Jin uploaded a photo of Kirk on her social media channel on Sunday, with the message, “Rest in peace.”
Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and vocal Trump supporter, was killed on Wednesday (local time) during an event at Utah Valley University. His death has prompted tributes from U.S. celebrities including Hollywood actor Chris Pratt and Coldplay’s Chris Martin, as well as a handful of Korean entertainers.
But responses to Jin’s post have been far from favorable. Critics point out that Kirk, during his lifetime, opposed gun control measures and was known for inflammatory remarks targeting immigrants and the LGBTQ community.
Earlier, Choi Si-won of K-pop group Super Junior posted “Rest in Peace Charlie Kirk” with a cross image on his social media but quickly deleted the message without explanation after online backlash.
Popular YouTuber Haejoo also faced criticism for “liking” a memorial post for Kirk, later issuing a lengthy clarification.
Jin, however, has not withdrawn her post despite mounting criticism.
Jin drew attention as a scene-stealer in the 2018 film “Believer,” where she played Bo-ryeong, the partner of actor Kim Joo-hyuk’s character. Since then, she has often been praised for excelling in roles that highlight strong female personas.
Meanwhile, police in Utah arrested a suspect 33 hours after the shooting. The alleged assailant was identified as a 22-year-old man who had dropped out of Utah State University and was enrolled in an electrician apprenticeship program.
This article from the Xportsnews is translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.