Lawmaker Cheon Ha Ram expressed his opinion regarding IVE member Jang Won Young’s potential visit to the funeral of the late Kim Ha Neul, suggesting that it might be more appropriate for her not to attend.

During a Reform Party leadership meeting at the National Assembly on February 13, Lawmaker Cheon Ha Ram addressed the ongoing debate over whether Jang Won Young should visit the funeral, stating, “I may be overstepping, but I personally believe that it would be more appropriate for the idol not to attend.”

He further elaborated, saying, "This may be an extreme concern, but there is a possibility, however small, that young elementary school children might think, ‘If something happens to me, will my favorite idol come to my funeral?’ Such thoughts could be dangerous, which is why I believe we need to approach this matter with great caution."

Regarding the controversy over Kim Ha Neul’s father requesting Jang Won Young to visit, Lawmaker Cheon commented, "Can we really expect parents who have lost their eight-year-old child to respond in a way that perfectly aligns with public expectations? Even if the bereaved family’s response doesn’t fully meet societal standards, I ask that people be understanding and refrain from leaving malicious comments."

The controversy arose following the tragic murder of eight-year-old Kim Ha Neul at an elementary school in Daejeon on February 10. A female teacher, identified as 'A,' strangled and stabbed the young girl before attempting to take her own life. Before undergoing surgery for her self-inflicted injuries, 'A' confessed to the crime, stating that she had lured Kim Ha Neul into a multimedia room under the pretense of giving her a book, before attacking her.

On February 12, police searched A’s residence and vehicle, as well as secured related materials from the school. An autopsy later confirmed that Kim Ha Neul died due to multiple injuries.

As news spread that Kim Ha Neul had been a dedicated fan of Jang Won Young, IVE sent a condolence wreath and photocards to her funeral in tribute. The late girl's father revealed, "She loved Jang Won Young so much that she never missed a broadcast if she was on TV. Her dream was to become like Jang Won Young. She even made me promise to take her to an IVE concert in Daejeon."

However, controversy erupted when Kim Ha Neul’s father made a public request for Jang Won Young to visit the funeral, stating, "I know she’s busy, but if possible, I’d like her to come see Ha Neul one last time." This led to a wave of comments on Jang Won Young’s social media, urging her to visit, with messages like "Please go to Ha Neul’s funeral" and "Say your final goodbye in person."

On the other hand, many defended Jang Won Young, arguing, "Why are people forcing her to mourn?" and "Paying respects should be a personal choice, not an obligation."

Amid growing debate, Kim Ha Neul’s father addressed the media on February 12, clarifying his intentions: "My request for IVE’s Jang Won Young, whom Ha Neul loved, to come and see her was truly just a request, not a demand. As a father, I simply wanted to show my child, who is now a star in the sky, the person she dearly admired and longed to see. But seeing articles recklessly labeling it as a ‘controversy over coercion’ makes it even harder to bear.”

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