After sharing THIS meme, Super Junior Siwon was embroiled in a controversy where the idol allegedly disrespected the LGBTQ+ community.
Super Junior Siwon Shares Meme on Bubble– Why Is It Controversial?
On April 24, Super Junior member Choi Siwon sparked heated discussion among K-pop enthusiasts and netters after sharing a controversial meme on the private fandom-communicating platform, "Bubble."
In particular, the idol who took to the app to talk to his fans, especially ELFs (fandom) sent a meme that featured the scene where Caledon's Hockley's antagonistic character from the classic movie, "Titanic" was asking to be saved amid the sinking of the ship while holding a child.
Unfortunately, women and children were the priority, as per the text. It then implied that the character purposely switches his gender identity into "trans" in order to save both of them.
ALSO READ: Super Junior Siwon Net Worth 2023: How Rich Is 'Chaebol' Idol?
Siwon also sent the message:
"It's funny kekekekeke."
Although it seems like Siwon shared the meme because he find it funny, the majority of his fans were frustrated since it was believed that the meme is an extension of memes that were being posted with the agenda of mocking and belittling transgender individuals.
As soon as the bubble message spread on Twitter, even non-ELFs agreed that what the "Mango" singer shared is rather insensitive than funny. When the LGBTQ+ community became aware of this as well, numerous members called out the star, and were asking his fans to educate him about the struggles and pain trans were experiencing and will possibly experience after sharing it.
Among Super Junior, Siwon is one of the members with a good reputation not only in the entertainment scene but as well as beyond K-pop. He's an ambassador for UNICEF and an entity with numerous philanthropic endeavors.
However, after this issue, some internet users then appeared and scrutinized Siwon's "problematic" post and claimed that he was transphobic.
Upon digging, netizens were also shocked that Siwon has a strong admiration for former presidents Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump, where the former is known for his conservative opinions and law, adding to the raised brows against him.
As of the moment, Super Junior Siwon is yet to make his apology or any post that wants to clarify his actions.
Super Junior Siwon Selected MC For New Variety Show To Be Aired in June
Meanwhile, Siwon, amid the controversy, is gaining attention for his upcoming MBC's variety talk show, "Doing Something I Haven't Done Before."
The program is scheduled to air in June and each week, there will be a special guest that will release their, "what I haven't done before" box and the MCs will solve it through keyword talk. The activities are expected to be held either in the studio or outdoors, which will double the fun of the show.
Along with Siwon, comedian and broadcasters Jo Seho, Joo Woo Jae, and Yoo Byung Jae will join the show, which team will be led by comedian Lee Yong Jin.
Expectations are mounting on how their membership will be portrayed as people who are active in various fields, including broadcasting and YouTube.
Fans were also focused if this controversy will affect Siwon's performance in his new show.
READ MORE: Super Junior Siwon Reveals His Attitude to Other Women When He Has a Girlfriend, Proving He's K-pop's Ideal Boyfriend
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Written by Eunice Dawson.