Kim Ji-young sparks debate over funeral attire for late Choi Bool-am

Actress Kim Ji-young faced online criticism after wearing a black leather rider jacket and a gold-decorated shoulder bag to Choi Bool-am's funeral at the Asan Medical Center Funeral Hall on the 30th of last month. While some argued the outfit lacked solemnity, others defended her, noting the special bond she and husband Nam Seong-jin shared with the deceased.

The tribute for the late Choi Bool-am has evolved into a debate over the attire of mourners. While actress Kim Ji-young visited the funeral hall with her husband, Nam Seong-jin, to mourn the deceased, her choice of a leather rider jacket and a gold-decorated shoulder bag has drawn mixed reactions online. Opinions are divided between those who believe the significance of the visit should be prioritized given the special bond with the deceased, and those who argue that attire should respect the solemn atmosphere of a funeral hall.

Recently, the appearance of Kim Ji-young when she visited Choi Bool-am's funeral hall at the Asan Medical Center Funeral Hall on the 30th of last month became a topic of discussion on online communities and social media. In the released photos, Kim Ji-young is seen wearing a black leather rider jacket and a shoulder bag decorated with gold chains. Her tonal makeup also drew attention, sparking a debate over whether her outfit was appropriate for a mourner.

Critics emphasized that a funeral hall is a solemn space for mourning. They argued that even if black clothing was chosen, a leather jacket and eye-catching gold decorations do not align with the atmosphere of a funeral. Some expressed regret, suggesting that even if it was difficult to change clothes due to a schedule, the conspicuous bag could have been stored elsewhere.

On the other hand, counterarguments emerged stating that scrutinizing funeral fashion is excessive criticism. Supporters suggested that since she may have rushed to the funeral hall during filming or personal schedules after hearing the news, her sincerity in mourning should not be judged solely by her appearance. Voices also rose to emphasize the meaning of the act of visiting the funeral hall in person to express condolences.

This debate can be viewed as a clash between formalism and realism, similar to the long-standing philosophical tension between materialism and idealism. Kim Ji-young may have rushed to the site in her current attire due to an urgent situation; in such cases, some argue that the heart is what matters, not the form.

From another perspective, some suggest it would have been more polite to return home to change, as the funeral hall is not a place that disappears instantly. They argue that arriving a few hours later would not change the intention of mourning the deceased.

To Kim Ji-young and Nam Seong-jin, Choi Bool-am was more than just a senior actor. The two worked closely with the deceased for a long time, playing the roles of Bok-gil and Yeong-nam, respectively, in the long-running drama 'Country Diaries'. The fact that the two, who built a connection through their characters, became a real-life married couple makes Choi Bool-am a particularly special figure to them.

At the funeral hall, Kim Ji-young expressed her grief, saying, "He was a truly precious and valuable person to us, and it is so heartbreaking that we cannot see him again," adding, "I will pray that he rests in peace." She showed deep sorrow, her eyes reddening as she spoke.

Nam Seong-jin also could not hide his sadness over the sudden loss. He stated, "I still cannot believe it," and requested that Choi Bool-am be remembered as a great elder who served as a role model to everyone and warmly shared his heart with people. He also recalled the deceased's human qualities and his affection for his juniors.

Nam Seong-jin has previously described Choi Bool-am as a great teacher in his acting career. He explained that when he joined works as an actor, the deceased was like a great mountain to them, providing many lessons not only in acting but in life as a whole. Kim Ji-young has also expressed special gratitude and respect, calling Choi Bool-am a father and a great teacher.

Choi Bool-am, who passed away on the 29th of last month at the age of 87, was loved as a national actor for a long time and represented an era in Korean broadcasting history. The controversy surrounding the funeral attire amidst the condolences of colleagues and junior actors reveals the gap between the etiquette required at a funeral and individual ways of mourning. However, as evaluations of a mourner's clothing can vary based on individual standards, some point out that one should be cautious about judging the sincerity of mourning and gratitude solely by attire.

Read the original (Korean)