SEOUL - A debate has erupted over whether K-pop girl group Ive member Jang Won-young should have attended the wake and funeral of an elementary student fan, who was fatally stabbed by a teacher at her school in Daejeon, South Korea on Feb 10.

The suspect, a female teacher in her 40s who confessed to the crime, has depression and had previously been on medical leave for mental health treatment.

The victim, eight-year-old Kim Ha-neul, was a devoted fan of Jang, according to her father. In a teary interview with the press on Feb 12, he publicly expressed his wish for the 20-year-old pop 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.”

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 the victim was a fan of Ive, the girl group’s agency, Starship Entertainment, sent a wreath and photo cards to the funeral parlour where the victim’s wake was held, as a gesture of condolence.

Ha-neul was buried at Daejeon Memorial Park on Feb 14. There was no news of Jang attending the wake or funeral. THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

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