Actor Ansel Elgort has drawn criticism after wearing a yukata, a traditional Japanese garment, to an event celebrating Korean culture in Seoul. Elgort attended a gathering at the Leeum Museum of Art earlier this week, which was held in honor of the Frieze Seoul international art fair.
The event reportedly had a dress code of "cocktail attire." Photos from the event began circulating online, with many users pointing out Elgort's choice of a yukata, often described as a summer kimono, which they deemed inappropriate for an event focused on Korean culture, particularly given historical tensions between Japan and Korea.
Social media users expressed anger and disappointment, with some calling the outfit a "cultural faux pas" and an instance of "appropriating Japanese culture while attending a Korean public event." One comment questioned the necessity of his attire, stating, "Was it necessary for Ansel Elgort to wear a Japanese traditional Kimono at a Korean event?! Especially considering the history between Korea and Japan."
Elgort, known for his roles in "Baby Driver" and "West Side Story," is reportedly fluent in Japanese. He recently welcomed his first child, a son named Neo, with his fiancée, Miona, who is described as Japanese American. Elgort shared his thoughts on fatherhood in February, calling it "exhilarating, exhausting, it's everything and more."
Representatives for Elgort did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The actor's last significant public relationship was with his high school sweetheart, Violetta Komyshan, which ended in 2022 after a decade together.