Siwon stops foreign tourist from smoking at Gyeongbokgung Palace

Super Junior member and actor Siwon is drawing attention after being seen personally intervening to stop a foreign tourist from smoking inside Gyeongbokgung Palace. Instead of engaging in unnecessary arguments or coercive behavior, he requested the cessation of smoking using short, polite English; the situation concluded without any significant conflict as the tourist immediately put out the cigarette.

A recently released YouTube video captures Siwon touring Gyeongbokgung Palace alongside volunteer commentator Yang In-eok. The two walked through various parts of the palace, examining the history of the Joseon royal family, its architectural features, and the cultural significance of Gyeongbokgung.

During the tour, Siwon's steps were halted by a foreign tourist who was smoking inside the palace grounds. Upon discovering someone smoking in a national heritage space frequented by many visitors, Siwon did not pass by and immediately approached the tourist.

Siwon spoke briefly to the tourist, saying, “Excuse me, Please,” to convey his request to stop smoking. Rather than scolding with a harsh tone or publicly embarrassing the individual, he sought to resolve the situation with minimal expression.

The tourist understood Siwon's request and immediately lowered the cigarette. Siwon responded with “Thank you,” and the situation ended without any further struggle or conflict.

Though a brief scene, it left a meaningful impression in terms of attitude toward cultural heritage and civic consciousness in public spaces. Gyeongbokgung is not merely a tourist attraction, but a space of great historical and cultural value as the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty and a national heritage site. Especially with the continuous increase in overseas tourists, awareness regarding the order of cultural heritage viewing and public etiquette is emerging as an important issue.

This is precisely why Siwon's actions are garnering attention. Rather than using his status as a celebrity to escalate the situation excessively, he recognized the problem on-site and urged action in a manner the other person could accept. Immediately offering words of thanks to the tourist who stopped smoking was also a way to conclude the situation smoothly rather than expanding the conflict.

Afterward, Siwon continued his tour of Gyeongbokgung with commentator Yang In-eok. The video also captures the process of revisiting the history of the palace and the meaning held by our cultural heritage.

At the end of the video, a message emphasizing the preciousness of freedom and peace was added. Beyond simple sightseeing or revealing the daily life of a celebrity, the scene prompted reflection on the value of the cultural heritage we pass by daily and the public consciousness required to preserve it together.

This scene, where Siwon—who possesses a global fandom—acted directly during an everyday encounter with a foreign tourist, leaves an impression greater than a mere small episode. It serves as an example showing that a short word and minimal respect for others can be more effective in restoring order in public spaces than grand lectures.