Group Super Junior member and actor Choi Si-won addressed the recent controversy over political leanings, saying, "It is not desirable to conclude that someone belongs to a specific political camp," and shared his position.
On the 3rd, Choi Si-won said in a comment on his social networking service (SNS), "I am grateful to those who care about me and think of me," and "I do not think it is desirable to conclude that someone is on the side of a particular person or political camp based only on personal likes and dislikes or some opinions."
He continued, "Even if an opinion differs from mine, we need the patience to try to understand the other person's thoughts and background before making an immediate conclusion," and stressed, "Rather than judging a person simply by camp, a fair assessment is to look at each choice and act as they are."
He added, "Through the June 3 local elections, many people may have reflected again on the meaning of suffrage and become interested in politics," and "I believe harmony and change are possible when we move away from the attitude that if someone is not on my side, they are an enemy, and embrace each other's differences."
This statement came after Choi Si-won recommended a journalist's book recently, prompting some fans to link him to a specific politician and leave comments speculating about his political orientation.
Choi Si-won has drawn attention by expressing his views multiple times on political and social issues through SNS. In July, he posted a message openly supporting the protest to blockade the Jamsil ballot-counting center, and last year he posted and then deleted a memorial post for U.S. conservative political activist Charlie Kirk. He also posted phrases such as "불의필망" and "토붕와해" at the time of Yoon Suk-yeol's first-trial sentencing.