Actor Jin Seo Yeon is in the eye of an online storm after she publicly mourned Charlie Kirk, a close ally of U.S. President Donald Trump who was fatally shot last week.
On Sunday, the Believer actress uploaded a black-and-white photo of Charlie Kirk with the simple caption, “Rest in peace.” What might have seemed like a standard tribute quickly turned into controversy.
Critics flooded her post, questioning why a Korean star would publicly mourn Kirk, who was known for his 'hardline conservative views.'
Charlie Kirk, the 30-year-old activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was killed on Wednesday at Utah Valley University when a gunman opened fire during an event.
U.S. media confirmed that police arrested a 22-year-old suspect within 33 hours. The man, a university dropout turned electrician apprentice, is now facing murder charges.
The killing shocked America’s conservative circles, sparking tributes from figures like Chris Pratt and Coldplay’s Chris Martin, though their posts also drew divided reactions.
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In Korea, Jin Seo Yeon wasn’t the only one who mourned Kirk's death, Super Junior’s Choi Si-won briefly posted “Rest in Peace Charlie Kirk” with a cross emoji but deleted it within hours after fans pushed back.
Popular YouTuber Haejoo also landed in hot water after liking a Kirk memorial post, later issuing a long clarification.
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“Paying respects is one thing, but celebrating someone who stood against basic rights is another,” one fan wrote.
It’s a tricky position for Jin, who gained acclaim for her standout role in the 2018 crime thriller Believer. Known for portraying fierce, complex women, she has since built a reputation as one of Korea’s most versatile supporting actors.
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