"After 'Bul-euipilmang' and Bible Verses, Choi Siwon’s Cryptic Messages Stir Debate Amid Jeon Hangil’s Public Love Call"

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Choi Siwon, a member of the group Super Junior and an actor, has been heating up online as a series of social media posts he uploaded in succession have spread into controversy over political interpretations. In particular, after YouTuber Jeon Hangil, a former Korean history lecturer, publicly sent him a love call, Choi once again posted a message quoting a Bible verse, prompting a flood of speculation.

Choi Siwon, a member of Super Junior and an actor, has been igniting heated debate online after a series of social media posts he made sparked controversy over political interpretations. Choi Siwon SNS

On the 23rd, Choi Siwon posted the following passage on his social media (SNS): "Hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13." The previous day, on the 22nd, he had also posted the verse, "Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually. (1 Chronicles 16:11)." Some online users are taking these simply as confessions of faith, while others, in light of the recent political situation, are interpreting them as possibly carrying a political message.

Earlier, on the 19th, shortly after former President Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to life imprisonment in the first trial on charges of leading an insurrection related to the December 3 Martial Law, Choi posted the four-character idioms "Bul-euipilmang, Tobungwahe" on SNS. "Bul-euipilmang (不義必亡)" means that those who are not righteous will surely perish, and "Tobungwahe (土崩瓦解)" means that the very foundations collapse and shatter like a heap of earth crumbling and roof tiles breaking. Although the post went up without any further explanation, the timing coincided with the political situation, giving rise to various speculations. Some online communities argued that "it was aimed at the current political situation," while others countered that "it was merely an expression of universal values that did not single out any specific individual."

The controversy further escalated after Jeon Hangil’s public remarks. Through his YouTube channel, Jeon mentioned Choi Siwon and publicly asked him to appear on stage at the "Independence Movement Day Commemorative Freedom Concert" to be held on March 2. Expressing his support openly, he described Choi as "a truly genuine entertainer with a sound sense of values, whose soul burns with sincerity." Jeon Hangil has recently drawn attention for his hardline conservative comments. For this reason, there is growing interest in what stance Choi Siwon, who received his love call, will take going forward.

On the 23rd, Choi Siwon posted on his social media (SNS), "Now all has been heard; fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13." Choi Siwon SNS

This is not the first time that controversy has arisen around Choi Siwon’s social media. Last year, he drew attention by posting a tribute to the late Charlie Kirk, a close associate of former U.S. President Donald Trump and a conservative activist. At the time, some pointed out that he might be revealing a political stance, but Choi explained that "regardless of political orientation, I was heartbroken by the tragedy he experienced as the head of a household and as a fellow Christian, and I posted the tribute for that reason." As such controversies have repeatedly emerged whenever his religious messages intersect with social issues, debate has resurfaced over how far an entertainer’s personal SNS statements can be allowed. Arguments invoking freedom of expression are in sharp conflict with the view that stars with public influence must bear responsibility for their words.

As the controversy grew, his agency SM Entertainment announced a hard-line response policy. SM stated, "We are continuously collecting evidence regarding the creation and dissemination of false information about our artists, as well as mocking and contemptuous posts," and added, "We are proceeding with legal procedures for confirmed illegal acts and plan to expand our complaints in stages." The company went on to emphasize, "We will respond strongly with civil and criminal legal action, without any leniency or settlement."

As of now, Choi Siwon has not issued any official statement regarding Jeon Hangil’s public request for his appearance. However, with the Bible verses he posted in succession once again drawing attention, interest in his next moves is expected to continue for the time being.