Ansel Elgort sparks controversy in Korea over yukata and Jordans outfit at Frieze Seoul
Quick Look
American actor Ansel Elgort attended the Frieze Seoul opening at Leeum Museum wearing a yukata with Jordans and a turquoise pendant, sparking debate in Korea over cultural sensitivity amid historical tensions between Japan and Korea, with some defending his choice due to his Japanese American partner.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The Frieze Seoul art fair is an annual event held at Leeum Museum in Seoul, attracting international celebrities and art enthusiasts. Historical tensions between Japan and Korea, particularly regarding Japan's colonial rule of Korea from 1910 to 1945, often make cultural symbols from Japan a sensitive topic in Korea.
American actor Ansel Elgort sparked controversy in Korea for his wardrobe choices.
Attending a celeb-studded event to mark the opening of this year's Frieze Seoul, held at Leeum Museum Wednesday night, Elgort arrived in a yukata, the summer version of the kimono. He matched it with a pair of Jordans, complete with a huge turquoise pendant necklace.
Elgort was criticized for the choice, triggering debates over whether he failed to take into account the time and place of the event, or the sensitivity of Japan and Korea's history.
Some defended him, noting that he has a Japanese American partner and cautioning against reading too much into an outfit.
The actor is best known for his role in the 2017 movie โBaby Driver.โ
What to Watch
AI outlook โ possibilities, not facts
Ansel Elgort may address the controversy in a future interview or social media post
Possible ยท Within weeks
Open Questions
- Did Ansel Elgort intend to make a cultural statement with his outfit?
- Have there been similar incidents involving other celebrities at Frieze Seoul?
- What is the official stance of the Frieze Seoul organizers on cultural attire at the event?
