Debate heats up over Jang Wonyoung’s participation in fan’s funeral

Jang Wonyoung of IVE. Image: X/@IVEstarship

A debate has erupted over whether K-pop singer Jang Wonyoung of IVE should attend the funeral of an elementary student fan, who was tragically killed by a teacher at her school in Daejeon.

The victim, 8-year-old Kim Ha-neul, was a devoted fan of Jang, according to her father. In an interview with the press on Wednesday, he publicly expressed his wish for the idol to visit his daughter’s wake.

“Ha-neul always asked me to take her to an Ive concert if they ever performed in Daejeon. Her dream was (to be) Jang Won-young herself. I know she must be busy, but if possible, I would much appreciate her visiting Ha-neul one last time,” he said.

The father’s plea quickly went viral, sparking mixed reactions on Jang’s social media. Many fans urged the singer to visit the funeral, leaving comments such as “Please attend the funeral, I beg you,” and “Won-young, you were Ha-neul’s dream. If you can, please come and see her one last time.”

However, others argued that while the tragedy is heartbreaking, it is inappropriate to pressure Jang into attending. Some defended her, stating, “She is surely mourning in her own way, and that should be enough.”

In response to the news that Kim was a fan of Ive, the girl group’s agency, Starship Entertainment, sent a condolence wreath and photo cards to the funeral parlor as a gesture of sympathy.

However, Jang has yet to comment on whether she plans to attend the funeral. Starship Entertainment remains unavailable for comment.

Kim was laid to rest at Daejeon Memorial Park on Friday.

Kim was fatally stabbed by a 40-year-old teacher at her school. The suspect, who confessed to the crime, has depression and had previously been on medical leave for mental health treatment.