As Charlie Kirk, an American far-right political commentator, was murdered, the aftermath has crossed the ocean to Korea. From Hollywood actor Chris Pratt to Super Junior's Choi Si-won and YouTuber Haejju with 800,000 subscribers, those who mourned his death have been caught up in harsh public criticism.
Charlie Kirk was shot while giving a lecture at Utah Valley University on the 10th (local time) and died at the scene. A single bullet pierced his carotid artery. At first there was even the possibility that a professional sniper was behind it, but the arrested suspect in the killing was a 22-year-old man, Tyler Robinson.
CNN described Robinson as an exemplary student who entered a university in Utah on a scholarship with excellent grades. President Trump, announcing Robinson's arrest, said, "I hope he receives the death penalty."
Kirk was known as a close ally of former President Donald Trump and had been active as a leading far-right political commentator. He drew public outrage especially for saying that "some sacrifices must be accepted to protect the Second Amendment" despite the recurring mass shootings each year. Even as cases of innocent children being harmed, such as the Denver school shooting, continued, his cold attitude drew heavy criticism in American society.
Chris Pratt, who publicly expressed condolences for such a figure, took a direct hit. On the 11th he posted on his personal social media, "I pray for Charlie Kirk and his wife, children, and Korea. We need God's grace." But the comment section was flooded with criticism such as "Did you pray for the children who were sacrificed?" and "He should be expelled from Marvel."
In particular, Pratt's past controversies over being "pro-Trump" intensified the current backlash. The conservative leanings of his church, past controversies over anti-LGBTQ views, and his absence from a Biden campaign support event during the 2020 election resurfaced, worsening public opinion.
The domestic entertainment industry also could not avoid controversy. Super Junior's Choi Si-won posted a memorial image for Charlie Kirk on his personal social media, and although he is a devout Christian and his action was interpreted as "stemming from religious belief," he could not avoid a strong backlash. Even in Korea it was emphasized that Kirk had attended Christian events, suggesting a religious connection, but the political stigma of him being a far-right figure did not quell public criticism. Ultimately Choi Si-won deleted the post and attempted to contain the situation.
Influencer Haejju was also embroiled in a similar controversy. After it became known that he had liked a post mourning Kirk, he was criticized, and in the early hours of the 13th he posted a lengthy apology on social media saying, "I judged based on a fragmentary image without properly knowing Kirk's political stance. It was an action born of my ignorance." He added, "I am truly sorry," and deleted all related traces.
The shooting of Charlie Kirk is sending shockwaves beyond U.S. politics to global popular culture. In Korea, which experienced martial law in December last year, even mourning an American far-right figure has become controversial. Not only Hollywood actors but also Korea's entertainment industry have been swept up in the aftermath.
[Photo] OSEN DB, provided
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