South Korean actress Ryu Hye-young, best known for her role in the hit drama Reply 1988, is under fire from Chinese netizens after sharing controversial photos during her recent trip to Shanghai, China. The now-deleted social media post included two images that drew intense criticism: one showing a delivery worker asleep on his motorbike, and another featuring a plastic bottle discarded in a planter.
While the post didn’t include commentary, the choice of images was perceived by many as a subtle dig at local conditions, sparking outrage across Chinese online communities. The backlash was swift, with netizens questioning her intentions and accusing her of disrespect and insensitivity. Common sentiments expressed in the comment sections included:
- “What was the point of posting this? Does she think Korea is that clean and civilized?”
- “Why post a photo of a man napping? Did she even ask for his permission?”
- “I already disliked her character in Reply 1988, now I dislike her in real life too.”
- “Out of all the beautiful sights in Shanghai, she chose to post this?”
- “Delivery work is exhausting and highly regulated. When warehouses are overwhelmed, they barely get rest. Why photograph someone in such a moment?”
Some also criticized her facial expression in a separate food post, interpreting it as further passive commentary on her experience in China. Others noted the hypocrisy in assuming Korea is spotless, pointing out that public trash cans are scarce and litter often piles up around utility poles in South Korea.
Facing escalating backlash, Ryu Hye-young deleted the entire post, but the controversy continues to trend online. Many netizens feel the damage has already been done and are demanding an apology or further clarification. While Ryu has yet to make an official statement, the incident has reopened debates on cultural sensitivity, celebrity responsibility during travel, and how social media posts can be interpreted — especially by an international audience.
Sources: Sohu
Related Articles
