The human hope and American bridge
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[객원 에디터 10기 / 김예슬 기자] On September 10, Charlie pitched a tent on the campus of Utah Valley, debating students like always. He was talking about gun violence when, ironically, someone from the crowd shot Charlie in the neck with a gun. The whole crowd ducked, and everyone panicked at the violent uproar. Charlie rushed to the closest hospital, where he soon passed away. It was truly a mournful event for all conservatives all over the world: they lost their voice, their hope, and their biggest supporter. This incident has spread around the world for the violence and influence he had on people, whether they were democrats, atheists, or non-followers of his beliefs. The world came together to mourn the loss of an innocent life.
Charlie Kirk was an ardent conservative activist. He spread his ideology by touring college campuses, engaging students in debates, answering questions, and delivering speeches on issues ranging from abortion and gun violence to politics. He also founded an organisation called Turning Point USA, the largest conservative youth activist network nowadays. “He built it into a nationwide force with clubs, conferences, and training programs – creating communities that gave conservative students a sense of belonging and identity.”
Along with his conservative ideology, Charlie spread Christianity. He based his arguments on Christian beliefs, spreading the gospel at the same time. Starting with small debates in colleges, his influence eventually spread nationwide. Many conservatives expressed deep respect for his work and courage.
Thus, people all over the world expressed their sorrow for Charlie’s death. Among them were many Koreans. Just days before he was shot, Charlie visited South Korea. He gave an inspirational speech in Build Up Korea, “a group set out to give conservative youth a platform of their own” founded by Mina Kim. She hosted the conference in the hope to “forge links with like-minded movements abroad.”
As Charlie entered, the crowd went wild, screaming “U.S.A! U.S.A!” They were all eager to listen to what he had to say. Perhaps the speech he gave to Korea days before his assassination was why so many Koreans were heartbroken by his fatal accident.
Amid the domestic issue of gender politics in Korea, Kirk spoke with force on the matter. “Get married, have more children, return to the Bible” he voiced. In the country that has the world’s lowest fertility rate, the words resonated with the audience. He was calling the people to wake up and realize that without babies, there is no future. In order to secure Korea and spread the good conservative influence to the world, they needed to get married and have a stabilized family urging Koreans to marry and have more children.
With how influential and dedicated Charlie was in Korea, the death struck many hard. Koreans left messages, American and Korean flags, his portrait, and other tributes in front of the MacArthur statue in the Incheon Freedom Park according to local reports and social media posts. Yet, Charlie’s death did not kill his efforts. His ideology and movement still live on Korea and other countries.Although the momentum he stirred will temporarily slow down, his legacy will live forever, helping conservatives stand firm in their beliefs. He steadied the foundation of the Korean conservative movement, which the Koreans have to build upon.
Unfortunately, Koreans who were against Charlie’s ministry rebuked Korean stars for expressing their tributes openly. “Several Korean celebrities faced criticism after posting – and quickly deleting – tributes to Charlie Kirk…” Critics were angry about the belittling remarks made about LGBTQ+ communities and immigrants. They argued that the celebrities showed insensitivity “by overlooking Kirk’s controversial legacy.” In Korea, topics of politics and religion hold a very sensitive connotation. People are careful in what they say about these. Hence, the public figures expressing sorrow for Kirk, who advocated for Christianity and conservative ideas, faced intense criticism.
While the controversy in Korea underscored cultural and political divisions, the memorial service in the United States painted a different picture. Even the “Democrats maintained a wary silence as Donald Trump’s Republican party appeared galvanised by a memorial service for the late rightwing activist Charlie Kirk.” A massive crowd filled the American football stadium to pay tribute to Kirk and acknowledge his legacy. A large crowd attended regardless of what political side they stood on and what religion they followed. People came together, focusing on an innocent man shooting and death.
With the attention, a 30-hour manhunt for the shooter took place. Officials believe they have found the suspect, who is now in custody. Tyler Robinson is being held in the Utah County Jail on suspicion of aggravated murder and other felonies, according to court records. The officers believe him to have acted alone. They are holding Robinson based on the evidence from his family friend’s claim that Robinson confessed to his doing.
Those who knew Robinson were stunned by the news. They described him as a young, intellectual, game addict, and quiet man, and someone difficult to image making such a bold and reckless move.
