Singer Harim slams 'vicious' political funeral wreaths outside Seoul school

South Korean singer Harim has strongly condemned the practice of sending funeral wreaths to political opponents, particularly outside a high school in Seoul. He described the trend as a "viciously intended" tactic that uses the symbolism of death to intimidate and attack individuals.

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Flowers are not meant to hit someone.

Harim took to Instagram to voice his criticism, calling the wreaths "offline comments" that have proliferated in political disputes. He lamented the "waste of flowers" and the absence of joy or life associated with them, stating they reflect a "mean habit." The singer questioned the appropriateness of sending such wreaths to a school, asking, "Who sends funeral wreaths to children's schoolyards?"

The controversy stems from a recent incident where players from the Baejae High School baseball team allegedly sang a song mocking the 1980 Gwangju Uprising during a game. This sparked a backlash, leading to a flood of both critical funeral wreaths and supportive flower arrangements outside the school. A local politician from the ruling party reportedly sent congratulatory wreaths, further escalating the dispute.

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Who sends funeral wreaths to children's schoolyards?

Harim expressed concern for the students caught in the middle of this political conflict, fearing it teaches them to accept hatred as a norm. He urged society to regain a "minimum of dignity" and preserve beautiful things for their own sake, rather than weaponizing them for conflict.

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The wreaths lining the street offer no joy or vitality of flowers. They are merely a 'waste of flowers' created by a mean habit.