Actress Ha Yeon-soo unknowingly created a controversy when she posted a photo while traveling in Russia.

Image source – Instagram via Korea Daily (Joongang Daily)

On July 30, actress Ha Yeon-soo (27) posted a few photos on Instagram that documented her travels in Russia. Among them, a photo taken in the photo zone of a soccer club gained attention from netizen, and not the positive kind of attention either.

In the photo, the actress is seated in a chair holding a small monkey. While the actress and her animal companion are pretty innocent, it is the background that has some up in arms.

Behind the actress, the backdrop features an emblem of some kind from which radiate red and white segments. After viewing the image, some netizens pointed out that it is very similar to the imagery used by the Japanese Imperial Army, connecting it to wartime atrocities committed against Korea.

Conversely, others have refuted any possible connection. Ha herself explained that she had done a few edits to the photo including manipulating the color. However, as the controversy continued, the actress decided to delete the picture saying that “if this is a serious issue, I will delete it.”

This is not the first time that a celebrity has come under fire for pictures or actions that can connect to Japanese imperialism. Earlier this year, Korean-American actor Steven Yeun was criticized for posting a photo of a boy wearing Japanese paraphernalia.

 

 

Original article

Translated by O.C

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