Singer Harim, Family of 5·18 Victim, Criticizes 'Funeral Wreath' Culture at Paichai High School: "Flowers Are Not for Attacking"

Singer Harim, who previously shared his family history of his uncle suffering lifelong trauma after being assaulted by soldiers during the May 18 Democratization Movement, has criticized the recent trend of sending funeral wreaths amid political conflicts, stating, "Flowers are not meant to be used as weapons."

On July 6, Harim posted a message on his social media titled "Vile Acts Done with Flowers," writing, "At some point, a bizarre culture emerged where funeral wreaths are used for political attacks. It is a malicious intent to ruin the recipient's mood by evoking thoughts of death. I remember seeing rows of funeral wreaths on one side and supportive wreaths on the other."

He continued, "While flower shops might see a temporary boost in sales thanks to this abnormal trend, there is no joy or vitality to be found in these wreaths lining the streets. It is nothing more than a 'waste of flowers' created by a nasty habit," expressing his regret.

Harim also mentioned the recent situation in front of Paichai High School, where wreaths from both opposing sides were placed. He pointed out, "Who sends funeral wreaths to a school where children are present? The same goes for the 'supportive' wreaths sent to capitalize on political issues. It is heartbreaking how the word 'funeral,' once used for solemn occasions to mourn the dead, has come to be used to mock the living."

He concluded the post by saying, "The artificial flowers filling the streets are a sad testament to how dried up our society's emotions have become. Flowers weaponized to harm others are no longer flowers. I hope we can restore a minimum level of decency to keep beautiful things beautiful before we become too accustomed to this method of hatred."

Previously, the Paichai High School baseball team sparked controversy during the Blue Dragon National High School Baseball Championship held last month by chanting cheers that alluded to the May 18 Democratization Movement during a match against Gwangju Jeil High School.

The Korea Baseball Softball Association imposed a six-month suspension on the Paichai High School baseball team from national competitions, and the school also issued an official apology. Subsequently, funeral wreaths criticizing the school and supportive wreaths were installed in front of the school, leading to further controversy.

In 2024, during the declaration of emergency martial law by former President Yoon Suk Yeol, Harim criticized the move, saying, "It is like a failed, indiscriminate murder threat." As a family member of a 5·18 victim, he expressed his feelings at the time, stating, "The word 'martial law' is a source of immense trauma and reopens wounds for our families."



Reported by Kang Kyeong-yoon | Produced by SBS Entertainment News
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.