Lee Min-jung clarifies ‘sacred space’ photo controversy at Venice film festival
Lee Min-jung / Captured from Lee's social media
Actor Lee Min-jung has responded to criticism after a photo of her holding a bag in front of a Jesus statue went viral, sparking accusations of disrespect toward a sacred space.
On Sept. 5, Lee addressed the controversy on her social media account, explaining the context of the photo. “This place is not a church but an event hall and restaurant within a hotel that preserved the walls of a centuries-old church,” she wrote.
Lee added, “I am a Christian but not a Catholic. If taking a photo near what used to be an altar caused discomfort, I sincerely apologize.” She also promised to “be more careful and considerate in the future.”
The controversy began when Lee shared several photos from her stay in Venice, Italy, where she accompanied her husband, actor Lee Byung-hun, to the 82nd Venice International Film Festival. Lee Byung-hun’s latest film, “No Other Choice,” was invited to the festival’s main competition section.
One of the photos showed Lee standing with a bag in front of a Jesus statue, prompting some online users to criticize her for taking a “fashion shoot” in what they believed was a sacred religious site. Lee clarified that the venue was not an active church but a repurposed space used for events and dining.
“No Other Choice” follows the story of Man-soo (played by Lee Byung-hun), an office worker who believed he had achieved everything in life, only to face sudden unemployment. The film held its world premiere Aug. 29 at the Venice Film Festival.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.