Super Junior member Choi Siwon is currently under fire after sharing an Instagram story that many have labelled hateful and “racist.” The post featured a video claiming that “Nigerian Christians refuse to give up their faith after Islamists burned their church to the ground.”
The post quickly triggered backlash from fans and netizens. Many accused Siwon of promoting Islamophobia and selectively framing religious violence in a way that harms Muslim communities.
People also pointed out a glaring hypocrisy: why did Siwon remain silent on other global crises, such as attacks on Palestinian churches, when he chose to spotlight this one?
Past Controversies of Super Junior’s Choi Siwon
This is not the first time Siwon’s social media has drawn heated criticism. Earlier, he faced backlash for posting a tribute to Charlie Kirk, a political figure known for conservative and controversial views. That incident had already prompted fans to question whether his posts were personal or political statements.
Some observers suggest that the two events may not be isolated missteps, but rather signs of a pattern: Siwon frequently expresses strong religious and political sentiments online. In the current climate, those actions carry more weight—especially for public figures.
The Apology That Backfired
In response to the criticism, Siwon posted an apology on a fan platform. He explained that if one watched the video without context, it could be misunderstood. He insisted that he had no intention to incite religious hatred and emphasized that he does not support violence in the name of any faith.
He also offered some statistics, claiming that in Nigeria in 2025, around 7,000 Christians were killed and another 7,000 kidnapped, citing attacks by groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP.
The apology did not calm many critics. Netizens called it hypocritical, pointing out that he still had not addressed other conflicts with similar religious dimensions. Many saw the explanation as selective and incomplete.
Calls for his removal from Super Junior intensified. A petition on Change.org, demanding his exit, has collected thousands of signatures.
Internal Strains: Unfollowed by Fellow Members
Tensions deepened when fans noticed that other members of Super Junior, including Heechul and Leeteuk, unfollowed Siwon on Instagram.
There was also a viral airport video showing Leeteuk walking past Siwon without acknowledgment. Some fans saw it as a deliberate snub.
While no official statement from SM Entertainment or Super Junior has confirmed internal discord, these social media moves added fuel to speculation that Siwon could be isolated within the group.
What This Means for K-Pop and Idol Responsibility
Idols often walk a tightrope in the public eye. Fans expect them to be relatable and genuine. But in today’s highly polarized climate, every public post is scrutinized. Views on religion, politics, or social issues can rapidly become flashpoints.
Because K-pop reaches diverse audiences worldwide, many believe idols should maintain political neutrality to avoid alienating segments of their fan base. Many critics argue that Siwon overstepped that line.
At the same time, others defend his right to personal expression. They argue that stigmatizing a single post as hate speech is risky, especially if he genuinely meant to highlight suffering in places that receive little media coverage.
The challenge is that intent and interpretation sometimes diverge. Even if Siwon’s heart was in a personal place, his status as a public figure forces him into debates much bigger than himself.
Looking Ahead
At this time, no official response or public statement has been issued by SM Entertainment. Many fans await whether the agency will address the issue. Observers will also watch whether other Super Junior members step in publicly, either to support or distance themselves from Siwon.
It remains to be seen how Siwon’s image will recover or shift after this chain of controversies.
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