Singer Jeon Somi has found herself in an unexpected controversy due to a photo taken during her trip to Japan. Despite her intention to showcase her free-spirited charm, she is facing criticism for a perceived lack of public manners, igniting heated discussions online.
◇ "Wearing shoes on the seat..." The controversy explained
On the 27th, Jeon Somi posted daily photos taken during her visit to Japan on her social media. The problematic scene is a shot taken inside a moving taxi. In the photo, Jeon Somi is seen with her legs up on the seat while wearing shoes, comfortably leaning back. While she aimed to capture a hip vibe, the public's attention was drawn to the soles of her shoes touching the seat.
◇ "Lack of basic etiquette" vs "Excessive censorship"
As soon as the photo was released, a heated debate erupted in online communities. Critical netizens reacted sharply, stating, "Wearing shoes and putting your feet on the seat in a taxi, which is a public space, is not basic etiquette," and "This behavior would be criticized in Korea as well, and in Japan, which is strict about public manners, it is even more of a nuisance." They pointed out that as a globally recognized star, she should have been more cautious in her actions.
On the other hand, there are also strong defenders. Some fans argued, "It's just a photoshoot setup, and it didn't actually cause any harm," and "If it was a private charter vehicle and not a regular taxi, there shouldn't be a problem," warning against excessive criticism. They claim that the incident is being blown out of proportion.
◇ The weight of a global star, and her next project
Experts advise that the actions of K-pop stars can have a significant impact when intertwined with cultural differences between countries. Even minor actions can be perceived as rude depending on local sentiments, necessitating special caution.
Meanwhile, Jeon Somi has recently confirmed her appearance in the movie 'Perfect Girl' and is preparing for a new leap as an actress. It remains to be seen how this attitude controversy, which has arisen at an important juncture in expanding her activities, will affect her future endeavors.
