Actress Jeon Jong Seo Faces Backlash for Social Media Post During National Mourning

Recently, popular actress Jeon Jong Seo found herself at the center of controversy after posting photos on social media during a national mourning period. Her Instagram update on December 30, featuring selfies taken in a car with the caption, "Filming today too...", sparked a divisive reaction from netizens.

The timing of her posts coincided with the mourning period following the tragic crash of Jeju Air Flight 2216 at Muan International Airport on December 29, where 179 lives were lost. For many, sharing lighthearted images was deemed inappropriate and disrespectful given the gravity of the situation.

While a significant portion of the public expressed their disapproval, there were others who defended Jeon Jong Seo's actions. They argued that enforced mourning should not limit personal expression and that it's unreasonable to expect celebrities to completely halt their lives during such times. Some netizens noted,

• “Normal people can get away with it, but celebrities should be more cautious. They aren’t celebrities for nothing. Being careful during times like this is a part of their image.”
• “Posting on social media doesn’t mean that they aren’t mourning. Looking at their every move is so suffocating.”
• “Celebrities live off their image, so it isn’t strange that they maintain their image during these times.”
• “Stop forcing people to conform. People should be able to express themselves too.”

The backlash prompted Jeon Jong Seo to remove the photos from her account. Meanwhile, the South Korean government declared a seven-day national mourning period in remembrance of the victims of the crash.

Background on Jeju Air Flight 2216 Crash

The recent Jeju Air Flight 2216 disaster has left a profound impact on South Korea, leading to nationwide grief over the loss of so many lives. Following the incident, numerous memorials and tributes have been observed, emphasizing the need for sensitivity and respect during this sorrowful time.

actress, controversy, mourning