"Isn't this asking for too much?" K-netizens react to father of late elementary school student asking IVE's Jang Won Young to come to the funeral and see Haneul

The father of the late 8-year-old elementary school victim, Kim Haneul, has asked IVE's Jang Won Young to attend his daughter's funeral.

On February 12, Kim Ha Neul's father called for public attention and requested condolences at the funeral hall set up at Konyang University Hospital in Daejeon. He stated in a tearful statement, "Right now, the biggest issue in South Korea is my daughter, Haneul. I don’t understand why such a tragedy happened."

He continued, "I want to ensure that such an incident never happens again to another child like Haneul. If you are watching, representatives of both the ruling and opposition parties, please come today and listen to what I have to say. Tomorrow is the encoffining ceremony, and the day after is the funeral, so I may not be able to respond later."

Kim Haneul's father then added, "One request I have is that an IVE wreath has arrived, but Haneul made me promise that if IVE held a concert in Daejeon, she would definitely attend. As I mentioned yesterday, Ha Neul’s dream was Jang Won Young herself. If possible, I know you are busy, but if there’s any chance, please come to see Ha Neul."

Following his plea, IVE's social media has been filled with comments requesting Jang Won Young to visit the funeral. Several netizens have left comments saying, "Please say one word to Ha Neul," "Please greet Ha Neul," "Please attend the funeral of this young angel who was brutally taken from us," "A message of support for Ha Neul in Daejeon, please," "Please visit Ha Neul, we beg you," and "For Ha Neul, please grant her father’s request."

However, many online users believe that the request is too much and that these netizens should not pressure Jang Won Young in this way. These netizens defended Jang Won Young, saying they understand the father's heart, but his request is excessive. 

They commented:

"I don't think this is right..."

"Of course, grieving parents would want to do anything for their child’s farewell. We should be more understanding of their emotions, but the real problem is the people pressuring Won Young on Instagram with demanding comments."

"It’s heartbreaking, but she shouldn't go… This might lead to people from all over the world making similar requests."

"This isn’t right. Seriously, stop harassing Won Young."

"Just play a song video."

"I understand that they’re not in the right state of mind due to their grief, but they’re only considering their own feelings too much."

"She really doesn’t need to go, and it’s hard to blame them too… How can parents who lost their child overnight think rationally? This whole thing is just heartbreaking."

"This isn’t right... Of course, parents who lost a child would want anything for them, but why are all these random people acting so nosy? I just want to smack some sense into those flooding the comments."

"I can’t believe this is taking such a weird turn… Instead of letting the discussion shift in a strange direction, let’s bring the focus back to the actual issue. Whether Wonyoung attends or not should just be left alone."

"Forcing her to come is too much. They already sent a wreath, that should be enough. Stop it."

"People need to know when to stop."

"This really doesn’t feel right..."