Wearing White and Smiling? Paek Hyunjin Faces Backlash Over Condolence Visit for Late Ahn Sungki

Wearing White and Smiling During Interview Sparks Controversy
"Seems Inappropriate" VS "Excessive Criticism": Heated Debate

Paek Hyunjin, a member of the People Power Party, visited the funeral hall of the late actor Ahn Sungki and became embroiled in controversy over her attire and demeanor. After photos of her in light-colored clothing and smiling during the condolence visit were released, a heated debate erupted online regarding the appropriateness of her behavior.

Paek Hyunjin, a member of the People Power Party, visiting the funeral hall of the late actor Ahn Sungki. Screenshot from Channel A broadcast.

Ahn Sungki passed away on the morning of January 5 at the intensive care unit of Soonchunhyang University Hospital in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, surrounded by his family. He was 74 years old. After being diagnosed with blood cancer in 2019, he had continued his battle with the illness while preparing to return to acting. However, after collapsing at home on December 30 due to food getting stuck in his throat, he never regained consciousness.

At the funeral hall set up at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital in Seocho-gu, Seoul, people from all walks of life came to pay their respects. Assemblywoman Paek also visited the funeral hall on January 6 to offer her condolences to the late actor. However, as footage of her interview with the press was released, she found herself at the center of controversy.

'Condolence Attitude Controversy': What Happened with Paek Hyunjin?

The controversy began with Assemblywoman Paek’s appearance and remarks during her condolence visit. In the on-site footage released by Channel A, she is seen wearing a light-colored white jacket while standing in front of reporters. Since it is customary to wear black or dark-colored clothing when paying respects at a funeral, some criticized her for being "inappropriately dressed for the occasion."

Paik Hyunjin, a member of the People Power Party, visiting the funeral hall of the late actor Ahn Sungki. Screenshot from Channel A broadcast.

During the interview, Assemblywoman Paek mentioned her personal connection with the late actor, saying, "My relationship with him began when I attended the Film Critics Awards ceremony as a rookie announcer." She added, "He suffered for a long time, but I hope he finds peace in heaven, receiving even greater love than he gave to the people of Korea. I came to pay my respects."

However, controversy intensified after footage was released showing her smiling brightly while recalling one of the late actor’s films. She said, "There was a scene in one of his movies where he ate a raw chicken, and it was so shocking. He always showed us something new." The cheerful expression and her use of the word "shocking," which contrasted with the solemn atmosphere of the funeral, drew criticism over whether her remarks and demeanor were appropriate.

"She Seems Insincere" vs. "Excessive Criticism": Heated Debate

Online commenters criticized her, saying, "Is she at an awards ceremony?" "Both her outfit and expression seem inappropriate," "She seems insincere and frivolous," "At least observe basic etiquette," and "This is not a celebration, so why act like that?"

On the other hand, some defended her, arguing, "Isn’t the intention to honor the deceased what really matters?" "This is excessive criticism," "Nowadays, many people wear bright clothes to funerals," and "She just smiled briefly at the reporters." Others suggested that she may not have had time to change into black attire after finishing a previous engagement.