Photos circulating on online communities show San seated without a cushion, unlike other attendees, and appearing uncomfortably cramped in his assigned space. (Image from an online community)
SEOUL, July 7 (Korea Bizwire) – Claims of racial discrimination have surfaced following a luxury brand fashion show in Milan, Italy, where San, a member of the K-pop group ATEEZ, was reportedly treated unfairly.
San, whose real name is Choi San, attended the Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda show in Nora, Sardinia, on July 2. He wore a unique chocolate-colored top inspired by Baroque sculpture, paired with wide-leg flare pants and patent derby shoes. The following day, at the Alta Sartoria show, he donned an elegant white suit with notable draping.
However, the excitement of these high-fashion events was overshadowed by allegations of discriminatory treatment. Photos circulating on online communities show San seated without a cushion, unlike other attendees, and appearing uncomfortably cramped in his assigned space.
Earlier, in 2016, the company’s summer campaign sparked outrage for portraying an Asian model eating pasta with hands and wearing a napkin, while models of other ethnicities were depicted differently. (Image from Dolce & Gabbana)
This incident has reignited discussions about Dolce & Gabbana’s controversial history with racial insensitivity. In 2018, the brand faced backlash for an advertisement featuring an Asian model struggling to eat Italian food with chopsticks, which led to boycotts and the cancellation of a Shanghai fashion show.
Earlier, in 2016, the company’s summer campaign sparked outrage for portraying an Asian model eating pasta with hands and wearing a napkin, while models of other ethnicities were depicted differently.
The fashion industry’s struggle with racial sensitivity extends beyond this incident. Recently, Korean celebrities Han Ye-seul and Yoona also reported experiences of discrimination during international appearances.
Actress Han Ye-seul shared on YouTube that during her honeymoon in Italy, she faced discriminatory treatment at a hotel despite booking the most expensive beach club terrace seats.
Singer and actress Yoona encountered controversy at the Cannes Film Festival when a security guard appeared to single her out on the red carpet, leading to accusations of racial bias in event security practices.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
