Choi Siwon faces backlash over his tribute to Charlie Kirk. #Siwon_Out trends with fans calling for his removal. Here’s the controversy and fan reactions.
A major controversy has erupted around Choi Siwon, member of Super Junior, after he posted a condolence message for Charlie Kirk, a right-wing American activist who was shot dead during a public debate. For Siwon, the post was an act of human empathy—but for the public, especially international fans, it was read as support for Kirk’s controversial political stances. As a result, social media was flooded with criticism, the hashtag #Siwon_Out began trending, and even a petition surfaced demanding that Siwon be removed from Super Junior.
Source: Instagram @siwonchoi; Reddit r/kpopnoir
Siwon’s Explanation and the Root of the Controversy
Through the Bubble platform on September 12, Siwon tried to clarify the situation. He wrote that Kirk was a Christian, a family man, and a husband, and that losing his life in a shooting in front of students was a tragedy regardless of political background. “That’s why I paid my last respects to him,” he explained.
However, his clarification did not calm the wave of criticism. Many netizens pointed out Charlie Kirk’s record of making racist, misogynistic, and anti-LGBTQ+ statements. Kirk was also known as the founder of Turning Point USA, a right-wing organization that played a major role in supporting Donald Trump. Because of this, Siwon’s post was seen as either overly naïve or outright political.
One netizen wrote:
“Politics mixed with religion is a truly idiotic move!”
Another comment highlighted Siwon’s perceived indifference:
“He does not care because he has money, connections, and power. He looks down on everything because of his privilege.”
Others viewed his action as nothing more than a blunder:
“Bro thinks he’s savage for this. Nah, it’s more like a clown.”
The issue did not stop with fans—it also seemed to cause tension within Super Junior itself. Some fans noticed that Leeteuk and Yesung unfollowed Siwon on Instagram after the post went viral. For many, this signaled internal disapproval of Siwon’s actions.
“LEETEUK AND YESUNG JUST UNFOLLOWED THIS MF 😭 I LOVE THEM SO MUCH #SIWON_OUT”
Public backlash grew stronger. One account even posted a graphic with bold words: “We hate you forever, Siwon.” The #Siwon_Out hashtag spread alongside calls to sign a Change.org petition demanding his immediate removal from Super Junior.
One popular comment read:
“Take the phone off him, please.”
Another criticized Siwon’s dismissive tone:
“A different opinion. It’s a different expression. No problem. I couldn’t care less.”
This remark sparked new anger, as it was seen as a sign of apathy toward the serious damage done to his group’s reputation.
Other harsh comments included:
“He thinks he’s so superior fr.”
“Even I am tired of him.”
The controversy surrounding Choi Siwon reveals how fragile the line is between personal expression and public responsibility as a celebrity. As a global figure with millions of fans, every public statement he makes is scrutinized, interpreted, and potentially impactful—not just for him but for his group as well.
Although Siwon insisted that his intentions were purely humanitarian, the public demanded more: sensitivity, awareness, and moral responsibility. The question now is whether Super Junior and their agency will take an official stance or let the storm fade with time. What is certain is that for many fans, the wounds left by this controversy run deep.
Sources: Sports Chosun, Sports Kyunghyang, X (formerly twitter), Daum
Maybe he’s better apologize or… out…?
He never cared about the fans.