The father of the late Kim Ha-neul (8 years old), who tragically passed away due to the knife incident at an elementary school in Daejeon, has once again clarified his position regarding the request for condolences from IVE's Jang Won-young.
“Jang Won-young was my daughter's favorite... I wanted to show her one last time”
On the 12th, the father of the late Kim Ha-neul stated at the funeral home, “Ha-neul was a fan of IVE's Jang Won-young. We had promised that if there was a concert in Daejeon, we would definitely send her.”
He cautiously requested Jang Won-young to visit, saying, “Ha-neul's dream was Jang Won-young herself. I know you are busy, but if possible, please come to see Ha-neul.”
However, this request sparked a debate online. Some netizens reacted by saying, “Jang Won-young should visit the funeral home for Ha-neul,” while others countered, “I understand the sentiment, but requesting a condolence visit is excessive.”
“Starship has already expressed condolences... Sending a wreath of mourning”
In this regard, Starship Entertainment, the agency of IVE, has already sent a wreath of mourning to the funeral home with the message, “Singer IVE. We sincerely wish for the repose of the deceased.”
Despite Starship's expression of condolence, some netizens escalated the controversy by demanding a direct condolence visit from Jang Won-young.
“It is not coercion... A father's last wish”
As the controversy spread, the father of the late Kim Ha-neul once again clarified his position.
He stated, “Asking Jang Won-young to come see my child was not coercion, but a request. It was a father's wish to show my child Jang Won-young, whom she loved, even now that she has become a star.”
He expressed deep distress, saying, “It is really hard to endure seeing articles that frame it as a ‘coercion controversy.’”
“The funeral for the late Kim Ha-neul will be held on the 14th... She will rest in peace”
Meanwhile, the late Kim Ha-neul will be laid to rest at the Daejeon Memorial Park after the funeral on the 14th at 9:30 AM.
On the 10th, Ha-neul tragically passed away after being attacked by a knife wielded by a teacher in his 40s at an elementary school in Seo-gu, Daejeon.
The teacher, who attempted to take extreme measures, was apprehended by the police, who are currently investigating him on murder charges.
[Kim Seung-hye, MK Sports Reporter]
