Choi Siwon’s Charlie Kirk tribute shadows Super Junior as Leeteuk’s frosty airport exchange sparks fan buzz

Choi Siwon, member of the long-running K-pop group Super Junior, is caught in fresh controversy after posting a tribute to American conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The fallout intensified when a video of him and fellow member Leeteuk at Incheon International Airport began circulating online.

In the widely shared clip, Siwon appears to lean in for a hug while Leeteuk looks away, maintaining a stern expression. Fans quickly linked the exchange to Siwon’s recent post, speculating whether tension within the group was now surfacing publicly. The video was captioned by one user as, “Leeteuk is pissed off… man, your own members are mad, is that not a sign to leave?”

Another fan wrote, “He worked for twenty years and ruined it with his stupidity. They travel every year, yet he learned nothing but hate.” Others questioned why Siwon had not faced stronger accountability, noting his long-standing support of former US President Donald Trump.

The controversy began on September 11, when Siwon uploaded an image of Charlie Kirk on Instagram with the caption, “REST IN PEACE CHARLIE KIRK, rest in peace.” The post included Kirk’s portrait alongside a cross, set to Lauren Daigle’s song Rescue. Siwon later shared another photo of Kirk with his family, quoting the Bible verse, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Kirk, 31, co-founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, was shot dead during his American Comeback speaking tour at Utah Valley University. His killing shocked many in the United States, drawing tributes and criticism in equal measure. Siwon’s decision to publicly mourn Kirk, however, has left sections of Super Junior’s fanbase divided.

The backlash escalated further when Leeteuk unfollowed Siwon on Instagram, fuelling talk of a rift within the group.

Siwon, aside from his idol career, has built a profile as an actor with roles in dramas such as She Was Pretty, Revolutionary Love, and Love is for Suckers. He has also starred in films including Dragon Blade and Helios.

Super Junior, formed in 2005 under SM Entertainment, remains one of South Korea’s most recognised boy bands. Its current lineup includes Leeteuk, Heechul, Yesung, Shindong, Sungmin, Eunhyuk, Donghae, Ryeowook, Kyuhyun, and Siwon.

With Siwon’s tribute drawing global criticism and Leeteuk’s visible coldness fuelling online chatter, fans now wait to see if the tensions impact the group’s future activities.