Hollywood actor Ansel Elgort, 32, is facing controversy after attending a domestic event meant to promote Korean culture wearing a yukata, a traditional Japanese outfit.
Elgort attended the "CJ Night in Celebration of Frieze Seoul" event at Leeum Museum of Art in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on the 2nd. The event was organized by CJ Group to mark the opening of the international art fair "Frieze Seoul 2026," inviting figures from Korea and abroad in culture and the arts to introduce Korea's culture and lifestyle.
Actor couple Lee Byung-hun and Lee Min-jung, Lee Jung-jae, director Park Chan-wook, and singer G-Dragon also attended.
The controversy grew after it became known that the invited guest Elgort appeared in a yukata, a traditional Japanese outfit. A yukata is a traditional Japanese garment that is generally less formal than a kimono.
Some criticized the choice as failing to consider the event's purpose and cultural context, given that it was an official event held in Korea and aimed at promoting Korean culture.
Seo Kyung-duk, a professor at Sungshin Women's University, also criticized on his social media on the 4th, saying, "It was very rude for Elgort to insist on appearing in a yukata," and, "His qualifications as a global star are questionable."
Seo said, "The organizers are said to have informed attendees that 'cocktail attire' was the dress code," adding, "Elgort ignored the organizers' guidance."
He added, "One should dress appropriately for the time and place," and, "I hope this does not happen again at events promoting Korean culture." Cocktail attire generally refers to semi-formal dress.
Elgort has shown an interest in Japanese culture and has shared everyday photos of himself wearing a yukata. In May, it was reported that he had a son with a Japanese American woman.
Elgort debuted in the 2013 film "Carrie," and appeared in "Divergent," "The Fault in Our Stars," and "West Side Story." In Korea, he became known for the 2017 film "Baby Driver."