Korean actress Kim Yoo-jung (김유정) recently attended a luxury brand event in Hong Kong. However, interactions captured on video after the event unexpectedly sparked controversy. Netizens questioned whether the physical gestures made by the founder of an Italian luxury brand while posing for photos with Kim crossed acceptable social boundaries. The videos have gone viral on social media, with many viewers expressing discomfort and criticizing the founder's behavior as disrespectful, fueling ongoing debate.
Kim was invited to Hong Kong to attend an event for the Italian luxury brand Brunello Cucinelli. What was intended as a star-studded fashion occasion took an unexpected turn after the event, as Chinese netizens shifted their focus to the physical contact between the brand's founder and Kim. They questioned whether the founder repeatedly reached out to touch the actress's body, leading to accusations of inappropriate touching.
Videos circulating online show Brunello Cucinelli, the 73-year-old founder of the brand, repeatedly putting his arm around Kim's back and waist during a photo session. At one point, his hand appeared close to her chest. Faced with the continuous physical contact, Kim seemed to attempt to subtly shift away but struggled to fully avoid it. Netizens observed her body appearing stiff and tense. Despite being touched multiple times, she maintained a smile, completed the photo shoot, and even waved to the cameras. After the video's release, many netizens expressed even greater sympathy for her, seeing her maintain a smile throughout.
The discussion initially gained traction on Weibo before being reposted to X (formerly Twitter), attracting more international fans. According to online posts, Kim even trended at No. 3 on Weibo's hot search list. Many netizens expressed dissatisfaction with the brand founder's actions, arguing that even in public events, excessive physical contact with female artists is unacceptable, regardless of the individual's status. They emphasized the importance of respecting personal boundaries.
As the controversy escalated, international fans joined the discussion. In addition to expressing sympathy for Kim, some unearthed past photos of the brand founder with other female celebrities, questioning whether similar situations had occurred before. Chinese netizens also revisited photos of him at previous events with actresses Liu Tao (劉濤) and Chen Duling (陳都靈), suggesting that some of those interactions also appeared uncomfortable, further fueling doubts about his sense of physical propriety.
Many netizens commented, "There's no need for so much physical contact; this is truly inappropriate." Others felt for Kim, pointing out that she has maintained an excellent public image throughout her over 20-year career, with few major negative controversies. They expressed sadness that she became the subject of discussion due to the brand executive's physical actions.
Another netizen commented, "Who is this old man? It really makes me uncomfortable." The related videos continue to circulate online, bringing the issue of physical boundaries at public events back into the spotlight. Netizens generally agree that both brand executives and entertainers should maintain basic respect during interactions in public settings, ensuring that photo opportunities do not become uncomfortable experiences.
