Pop star KT has concluded her space travel, while online users continue to voice criticisms and mockery.
According to reports from foreign media such as CNN on the 14th (local time), space company Blue Origin, founded by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, launched the spacecraft "New Shepard." This spacecraft, launched from West Texas, United States, completed a 10-minute space flight and returned to Earth.
On board were six women, including KT, Jeff Bezos' fiancée Lauren Sanchez, Gayle King, former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen, and filmmaker Kerianne Flynn.
KT descended from the spacecraft holding a daisy flower, named after her daughter. She noted, "Daisies are common flowers, but they grow in any environment. Daisies remind us of the beautiful Earth and the magical presence that exists around us, even in a single simple daisy."
She added about the space flight, "It was the best of the best. It felt like immersing myself in an unknown world. I highly recommend this experience," and when asked if she would create a song about her space travel, she confidently replied, "Of course. 100%." Additionally, after completing her space flight, she performed a kiss on the ground.
However, various memes and mockery surrounding the space travel began to flood online afterward. Actress and director Olivia Wilde shared a meme mocking the Blue Origin "New Shepard" space flight on her Instagram, stating, "I guess I bought a good meme for $1 billion."
Currently, while the United States is suffering from a crisis over egg prices, there is much criticism aimed at those who embarked on a luxury space trip worth "$1 billion." Furthermore, attempts to frame this as feminism by utilizing the all-female astronauts have also faced criticism. The American magazine The Atlantic criticized, "Space tourism is at best a foolish thing. It is an absurd waste and an act that is inherently meaningless. KT was the perfect celebrity for this."
Overseas users have also expressed discomfort through social media. One user pointed out, "Do not wrap privilege in achievement. With genuine feelings from all over the world," while another user noted, "The fuel used for an 11-minute space trip could last an average person nine years. The Earth is currently on fire." Other comments included criticisms like, "The Earth is burning, yet selfish actions are being taken," and "Travel for self-satisfaction is ruining the Earth."
[Photo] Social media
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