Actress Lee Min-jung sparked controversy with a photo revealed in Venice.
Recently, Lee Min-jung visited the location to support her husband, Lee Byung-hun, who is the lead actor in the film "There's Nothing I Can Do", invited to the competition institutional sector of the 81st Venice International Film Festival. At this event, updates on her time with actress Son Ye-jin drew attention from fans both domestically and internationally.
However, a photo taken by Son Ye-jin became a point of contention. When a picture was released of Lee Min-jung posing with a luxury bag in front of the altar of a church, with a crucifix in the background, some overseas fans first expressed discomfort. Criticisms followed, noting that "it was careless to take a fashion shoot in a sacred space."
Opinions were divided in Korea as well. Some criticized the act, stating, "The altar is not a place anyone can just step onto, and it was careless," while others remarked, "It was probably an unintended mistake since she didn't know" and "The photo itself is beautiful, but the location was disappointing."
As the controversy spread, Lee Min-jung directly addressed the situation through her social media on the 4th. She stated, "This place is not a church, but a venue and restaurant that preserves walls from a church that existed hundreds of years ago. I am a Christian but not a Catholic, and I apologize if it seemed uncomfortable to take a photo on the altar. I will be more cautious in the future."
As it turned out, the location was confirmed to be a hotel restaurant rather than a church, and the situation is tending towards a lighthearted conclusion. Among netizens, voices such as "The quick clarification showed maturity," "It seems she really didn't know, so there's no need to press too hard," and "Surely, she wouldn't have done it on purpose" are expressing understanding.
Ultimately, Lee Min-jung clarified the special nature of the location while also adding an apology for those who felt uncomfortable, managing to resolve the controversy swiftly.
[Photo] OSEN DB, SNS
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