Korean actor Yoo Ah-in expressed his condolences on the passing away of fellow actor Kim Joo-hyuk but Korean netizens criticized him for using the English abbreviation "RIP" or rest in peace.
On his Instagram account, the actor wrote in Korean the words "We send out our deepest condolences" and the English "RIP" along with a photo of Benjamin Clementine's song "Condolence" from his "At Least for Now" album.
But some Koreans found it offensive that he used "RIP" instead of a Korean equivalent to express his sympathy.
Among the comments are -- "Is he an American/British celebrity? Is he not Korean?", "I don't understand can't he just write out 'We send out our deepest condolences in Korean', instead of just plainly writing 'R.I.P' in English?"
But others have defended him, saying, "I looked this up after hearing about all the hype and...really? why?! I'm lost for words~ I mean how else are you supposed to express your sorrows and not get hated on?", and "I really don't see what the problem is here."
Some netizens have been targeting Yoo Ah-in ever since he got exemption from his military service due to his health.
Kim Joo-hyuk died of head fracture when his car crashed into a wall of an apartment building in Seoul and then slid down a flight of stairs.
Today, the police said the car accident could have been caused by the side effects of medication Kim Joo-hyuk took for his skin condition. According to DongA Ilbo, the medication's side effects are fatigue and drowsiness.
Korean stars are mourning his death and offered their condolences. Among those who went to his wake are Go Doo Shim, Choi Min Sik, Lee Yoo Young, Yoo Joon Sang, Lee Kwang Soo, Cha Tae Hyun, Defconn, Kim Jong Min, Son Hyun Joo, Kim Ji Soo, Song Ji Hyo, Kim Hye Sung, Kwon Sang Woo, Jang Geun Suk, and Han Ji Min.
"It's a sleepless night. Who can defend and avoid [death]? Life is very painful," said actress Gong Hyo Jin.
Actor Oh Dae Hwan wrote on Instagram "[I remember] your encouragement to me and your consideration for your colleagues. You were that kind of a generous, warm friend to me."
