Super Junior member Choi Siwon is at the center of a controversy after sharing a meme on the private fandom-communication platform, "Bubble," that some claim disrespects the LGBTQ+ community.

The Controversial Meme Shared by Siwon

On April 24, Siwon posted a meme featuring a scene from the classic movie "Titanic" in which the antagonistic character Caledon Hockley holds a child while asking to be saved as the ship sinks. The meme implies that the character switches his gender identity to "trans" to receive priority during the rescue, as women and children were prioritized.

Siwon accompanied the meme with a message stating, "It's funny kekekekeke."

Fan Frustration Over the Shared Meme

While Siwon may have intended the meme to be humorous, many fans were disappointed, believing that it mocked and belittled transgender individuals. As the message spread on Twitter, both fans and non-fans criticized Siwon for sharing the insensitive content. Members of the LGBTQ+ community also called on fans to educate Siwon on the struggles and pain experienced by transgender individuals.

Siwon's Reputation in Question

Siwon, known for his philanthropic efforts and role as a UNICEF ambassador, is generally well-regarded in the entertainment industry and beyond K-pop. However, this controversy has led to scrutiny of his "problematic" post, with some netizens accusing him of being transphobic. Some were also surprised to discover Siwon's admiration for former presidents Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump, both known for their conservative views, further raising eyebrows.

Siwon has not yet issued an apology or clarification for his actions.

Upcoming Variety Show Involving Siwon

Despite the controversy, Siwon is receiving attention for his upcoming role as an MC in MBC's variety talk show, "Doing Something I Haven't Done Before," set to air in June. Each week, a special guest will unveil their "what I haven't done before" box, and the MCs will explore the topic through keyword talk. Activities will take place both in-studio and outdoors for added entertainment.

Siwon will be joined by comedians and broadcasters Jo Seho, Joo Woo Jae, and Yoo Byung Jae, with comedian Lee Yong Jin leading the team. As anticipation grows for the show, fans are curious to see if the controversy will affect Siwon's performance.

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