Actor Jung Haein has drawn sadness and public outrage after allegedly being subjected to racial discrimination by pop star Benson and Turkish actor Kerem Bursin at an overseas fashion week.
Recently, footage surfaced on social media showing Jung Haein attending Milan Fashion Week. Invited to a show by a high-end designer brand, Jung Haein sat in the front row to watch the show.
However, the other celebrities seated on either side of Jung Haein leaned in close to each other and conversed, leaving him out. Pop star Benson and Turkey-born actor Kerem Bursin sat in what has been called a "manspreading" posture, ignored Jung Haein and spoke only to each other, a sight that made viewers uncomfortable.
At first the scene appeared to be just a moment at fashion week, spreading naturally through official social media accounts of magazines such as men's fashion magazine Namsung and the social media of overseas fashion people who attended the show. However, Korean and international fans who recognized Jung Haein pointed out the rudeness of the global celebrities seated on both sides.
In the actual video, even when Jung Haein adjusted his posture and expression as if slightly uncomfortable, the conversation between Benson and Kerem Bursin did not stop. Fans condemned the behavior, saying, "This is clearly racial discrimination," "They keep doing this because Asians respond politely," and "Putting someone between others and acting rudely regardless of race."
Unfortunately, this is not the first time a Korean star has experienced racist behavior at an overseas fashion week. Before Jung Haein, Blackpink member Rosé was also subjected to rude behavior by global celebrities.
Last October at Paris Fashion Week, Rosé was invited to a show by a French luxury brand as a global ambassador. Later, a British fashion magazine posted photos of the celebrities who attended, but only Rosé was shown dimly lit in shadow while photos of singer Charli XCX, model Hailey Bieber, and actor Zoë Kravitz were posted.
In addition, Hailey Bieber was seen warmly conversing alone with Charli XCX while gesturing toward Rosé as if to pull her into the next seat, a clip that spread on social media. Hailey Bieber's gesture, reminiscent of treating a pet, shocked fans, and Hailey Bieber's social media was later flooded with angry comments from fans defending Rosé.
Some three months later, this time Jung Haein suffered from racially discriminatory behavior. The recurring rudeness of global stars at fashion week venues is especially bitter.
[Photo] OSEN DB, social media source.
[OSEN]