Photos of Charlie Kirk and Jeon Hangil Spread on SNS
"Fake News Claims Kirk Discussed Campaign to Save Yoon"
Revealed as a Composite: Jeon’s Image Added to a 2021 Event Photo
Charlie Kirk, a right-wing youth activist in the United States, was shot and killed during a university lecture. Following his death, a photo purportedly showing him with Jeon Hangil, a former Korean history instructor turned YouTuber, began circulating online. Claims emerged that the two had discussed the release of former President Yoon Suk-yeol. However, it has been revealed that this is 'fake news' based on a manipulated composite image.
A photo circulating showing Jeon Hangil and Charlie Kirk together. This photo has been confirmed to be a manipulated composite image. SNS
On September 17 (local time), AFP reported that the photo, which spread on domestic social networking services (SNS) after Kirk's death, was "manipulated." The person who posted the photo claimed, "Charlie Kirk met with CEO Jeon Hangil a few days before he was killed to discuss a campaign to save former President Yoon," and added, "He welcomed him with such a bright smile, but after hearing the news that CEO Kirk was killed by a leftist's gun, former CEO Jeon was said to be deeply aggrieved." The post continued, "Now is the time to pray that President Trump will take up CEO Kirk's cause and move to save former President Yoon."
AFP also reported that comments on the post included, "Now I understand why Jeon Hangil said he bought a bulletproof vest. Like CEO Kirk, he is likely to become a target, so I am very worried," and "Now even right-wing heavyweights like Jeon Hangil are in danger."
Charlie Kirk (center) and Kyle Rittenhouse (right) attending the 2021 Turning Point USA event. Photo by AP Yonhap News
However, the original photo was actually taken at the 2021 'Turning Point USA' event in the United States, and the person Kirk was introducing was not Jeon, but Kyle Rittenhouse. Kyle Rittenhouse is known for having shot and killed two people during a protest against racial discrimination, after which he was acquitted by a jury. AFP also traced the source of the photo of Jeon used in the composite. It was confirmed to be a profile photo previously posted on a civil service exam academy website when Jeon was working as a Korean history instructor.
Previously, on September 13, Jeon referred to the Kirk shooting incident at a right-wing group event called 'Truth Forum' held in Washington, DC. He said, "He was a personal role model for me, and his sacrifice is truly heartbreaking." He added, "Even coming to this event, I was worried someone might bring a gun, so I even bought a bulletproof vest for 1.5 million won," and claimed, "I came to the United States because I felt I could be banned from leaving the country or arrested at any time."
A photo showing U.S. President Donald Trump awarding the "Presidential Medal of Freedom" to former Korean history instructor Mr. Jeon. This photo was revealed to be a composite. SNS
This is not the first time a manipulated photo of Jeon has circulated. In June, a photo showing Jeon receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom from U.S. President Donald Trump spread on SNS. However, this too was revealed to be a digitally manipulated image. At the time, AFP reported, "Some users, mistaking the photo for a real event, left comments such as, 'President Trump personally awarding the medal-he is a hero of Korea,' and 'It is a proud moment for a Korean citizen to receive a medal in a foreign country,'" while confirming that the image was manipulated.
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