Actor Jung Hae-in sparked a heated debate online after his appearance at the Dolce & Gabbana Men FW 2026 fashion show, where a brief moment in the front row was perceived by many as racially insensitive. As a brand ambassador, Jung Hae-in attended the show and was sitting in the front row between singer Benson Boone and Turkish actor Kerem Bürsin. A short video of the event quickly circulated online, showing the two Western celebrities leaning towards each other and continuing their conversation, while Jung Hae-in appeared isolated in the middle.
The footage led many viewers to describe the situation as uncomfortable and embarrassing to watch. While some netizens suggested that language barriers or lack of situational awareness may have contributed to this moment, others, particularly Korean netizens, argued that the behavior crossed a line.
In online communities like Instiz, reactions have become increasingly critical, with many labeling the incident as blatant racism rather than a simple social faux pas.
- “So rude…”
- “Those two do it on purpose.”
- “This is racism… it is so blatantly racist it is ridiculous.”
- “This is absolutely racism… and can those two please close their legs…”
- “Are you allowed to act like this because he doesn’t speak English? It’s the same racism…why are you trying to divide him?”
- “Is it okay to act like this because you know them? Why do you make excuses like elementary school kids? Of course, you will be criticized for acting like this in a social setting. It’s not a place to socialize, but a place to work.”
The incident has since fueled broader discussions about how Asian celebrities are treated at global fashion events, as well as ongoing concerns about subtle forms of exclusion and discrimination in international entertainment spaces. At this time, none of the people involved have publicly addressed the controversy.
Sources: Koreaboo
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