A Nation Mourns a Legend
Hey guys, so some sad news hit Korea this week. We lost a true icon, the legendary actor Ahn Sung-ki, who passed away on January 5th. He was often called the “Nation’s Actor,” and he’s been in so many classic films for decades. As you can imagine, it’s a pretty big deal, and everyone, especially other celebs and public figures, has been paying their respects. But how you mourn here is *everything*, and two prominent women are now going viral for their completely opposite approaches.
The “No Heart” Tribute That Won Praise
First up is actress Lee Min-jung. You might know her from various K-dramas, and she’s also married to superstar actor Lee Byung-hun. On January 6th, she was at an awards show to accept a prize. Normally, when you win an award in Korea, you do a bunch of poses for the cameras, including the famous finger-heart or two-handed heart pose. But when the photographers asked her to do one, she politely refused, saying, “Not today…”
Instead, she used her speech to honor Ahn Sung-ki, saying her heart was heavy and that he was a true inspiration. She wore a simple black dress and a white flower, and reports say she went straight to the funeral hall after the event. People online are calling it a total class act. It was a subtle, dignified way to show that her mind was on the nation’s loss, not on celebrating her win. It was seen as incredibly respectful.
A Politician’s Smile Sparks Outrage
And then… there’s the other side of the coin. Meet Bae Hyun-jin, a politician and former TV news anchor. She also went to pay her respects, but her visit is now causing a huge controversy. Netizens immediately pointed out a few things that felt… off. For starters, she was wearing a light-colored, whitish jacket. In Korea, it’s super important to wear black or very dark, somber colors to a funeral. Showing up in bright clothes is a major no-no.
To make matters worse, during an interview with the press at the funeral hall, she was seen smiling several times. When asked about a memorable role of his, she mentioned a scene where he ate raw chicken and called it “shocking.” The combination of the bright outfit, the smiles, and her choice of words struck many as incredibly inappropriate and insincere for such a solemn occasion. The internet is basically on fire with criticism, calling her attitude frivolous and disrespectful.
Why This Matters in Korea
This whole episode is a perfect example of how much emphasis is placed on appearances and ‘nunchi’ (the art of reading a room) in Korean culture. Lee Min-jung’s quiet refusal to make a heart gesture spoke volumes about her sincerity. In contrast, Bae Hyun-jin’s visit, whether she meant to be disrespectful or not, came off as a photo-op. While some people defended the politician, saying she might have come from another scheduled event, the public backlash has been intense. It’s a reminder that when it comes to mourning, especially for a beloved national figure, every little detail counts.
