# Ansel Elgort yukata controversy in Seoul > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ansel-elgort-yukata-controversy-in-seoul > Updated: 2026-09-06T02:25:26.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2. American actor Ansel Elgort has drawn criticism in South Korea for wearing a yukata, a traditional Japanese garment, to a cultural event in Seoul. The incident occurred on September 2 during the ‘CJ Night in Celebration of Frieze Seoul’ at the Leeum Museum of Art, an event intended to showcase Korean culture. Despite a ‘cocktail attire’ dress code, Elgort appeared in the Japanese garment paired with sneakers. Public reaction in South Korea has been largely negative, with critics citing historical tensions between Korea and Japan. Professor Seo Kyoung-duk of Sungshin Women's University characterized the choice as “extremely rude,” suggesting a global star should respect the context of the event. Some observers have questioned the organizers' decision to invite the actor, noting his recent history of living in Japan between 2022 and 2024. While some netizens attributed the choice to ignorance regarding the distinctions between Korean and Japanese traditional clothing, others viewed it as a potential provocation. Elgort has not issued a public response to the backlash. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-06: Ansel Elgort faces criticism for wearing Japanese yukata in Seoul Actor Ansel Elgort faced backlash in South Korea after wearing a traditional Japanese yukata to a cultural event in Seoul during the Frieze Seoul art fair. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ansel-elgort-faces-criticism-for-wearing-japanese-yukata-in-seoul ### 2026-09-03: Ansel Elgort faces backlash for wearing yukata at Seoul cultural event Hollywood actor Ansel Elgort is facing backlash in South Korea for wearing a traditional Japanese yukata to a high-profile event in Seoul intended to celebrate Korean culture. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ansel-elgort-faces-backlash-for-wearing-japanese-attire-in-seoul --- Cite as: Ansel Elgort yukata controversy in Seoul. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ansel-elgort-yukata-controversy-in-seoul