Ansel Elgort faces criticism for wearing Japanese yukata in Seoul

American actor Ansel Elgort has faced criticism in South Korea after attending a cultural event in Seoul wearing a yukata, a traditional Japanese garment. The incident occurred on September 2 during the CJ Night at the Leeum Museum of Art, held to celebrate the start of the Frieze Seoul international art fair.

Online communities in South Korea reacted strongly to the choice of attire, with some questioning why the actor chose Japanese clothing for an event highlighting Korean culture. Some observers suggested the choice might have been a deliberate provocation, noting that the event's dress code was reportedly “Cocktail Attire.”

The controversy has also led some netizens to question the decision of organizers to invite Elgort, citing past personal controversies involving the actor. Elgort's recent history includes a significant period living in Japan between 2022 and 2024 while filming “Tokyo Vice,” during which he developed a close connection to Japanese culture.