Assemblyman Kim Tae Ho is causing a stir online for his inappropriate behavior during a funeral ceremony held for the tragic helicopter crash earlier today. In the picture above, Kim Tae Ho was captured posing with a female firefighter. While she holds up a peace sign, he smiles cheerfully despite being at a funeral for five lives that were sadly claimed just a few days ago. 

SEE ALSO: A helicopter returning from site of Sewol tragedy crashes by South Korean high school

It's possible that Kim Tae Ho was asked to pose for the picture as he is a famous political figure in Korea. In fact, Kim Tae Ho was once nominated for the position of prime minister in 2010, but because he was accused of ethical misconduct during his term as a governor of South Gyeongsang, he declined the nomination. 

Netizens were outraged with the now-assemblyman as they found that his behavior--fanservice or not--was insensitive and inappropriate for the ceremony. Top comments on the snapshot include, "He's lost his mind," "They're both crazy," and, "Small-brained bastard."

After the backlash, Kim Tae Ho took to Twitter to apologize for his conduct: "I am sorry for provoking public criticism by simplemindedly taking a picture with a firefighter at the funeral for the helicopter crash at the provincial government building in Gangwon on July 22.  Whatever the reason, it was wrong of me to not have turned down the requests for pictures from the people around me after the funeral ended... I sincerely apologize for hurting the bereaved family and those mourning the dead through my thoughtless behavior." 

What do you guys think--does Kim Tae Ho, as a public figure, deserve the criticism or is this an overreaction to a single moment?