The father of the late 8-year-old elementary school victim, Kim Haneul, has made a heartfelt request to IVE's Jang Won Young to attend his daughter's funeral.
In an emotional plea at the funeral hall set up at Konyang University Hospital in Daejeon on February 12, Kim Ha Neul's father called for unity and support from the public. Through tears, he expressed his confusion at the tragic loss of his daughter, stating, "My daughter, Haneul, is the focal point of attention in South Korea right now. I cannot comprehend the reason behind this heartbreaking tragedy."
With a heavy heart, he urged representatives from both the ruling and opposition parties to be present and hear his message, as he emphasized the importance of preventing such incidents from happening to other innocent children like his beloved Haneul. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, as he shared, "Tomorrow, we will hold the encoffining ceremony, followed by the funeral the day after. Time is of the essence."
Kim Haneul's father also revealed a poignant detail about his daughter's dream, saying, "Haneul had expressed her wish to attend an IVE concert in Daejeon, promising that she would be there if given the chance. Jang Won Young was her idol, and I appeal to her, amidst her busy schedule, to come and pay respects to my daughter, in honor of her cherished dream."
In response to the father's plea, IVE's social media platforms were flooded with requests for Jang Won Young's presence at the funeral. Numerous netizens expressed their desire for Won Young to offer a message of comfort and support to the grieving family, with sentiments such as "Please honor Haneul with your presence," "A heartfelt message for Haneul," and "Grant the father's wish for his daughter, Ha Neul."
While some online users questioned the appropriateness of pressuring Jang Won Young to attend, defending her against what they perceived as undue demands, the overarching sentiment remained one of empathy and understanding towards the family's immense grief and loss.
As the discussion unfolded, calls for compassion and sensitivity resounded, with commentators urging restraint and respect in handling the delicate situation. Amidst differing opinions, the focus remained on honoring Kim Haneul's memory and supporting her mourning family during this difficult time.