Burberry, Amid COVID Fear: "Gong Hyo-jin and Yoo Ah-in, Don't Come to the Fashion Show"

Actor Gong Hyo-jin and Yoo Ah-in [Image source - Yonhap News / Asia Economy DB]

[Asia Economy Reporter Shinwon Yoon] British fashion brand Burberry has canceled invitations to London Fashion Week for actors Gong Hyo-jin and Yoo Ah-in due to concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

According to Burberry Korea on the 18th, just days before the London Fashion Week event, all attendees coming from Asia, including China, Korea, Japan, and Hong Kong, were removed from the invitation list. Until now, Burberry Korea had invited Korean celebrities and its employees to the biannual London Fashion Week, but the invitations were canceled as a preventive measure against COVID-19.

Burberry stated, "As a precaution against COVID-19, we canceled the attendance of Burberry employees coming from Asia at the fashion show and decided to take the same stance for invited guests (celebrities) to ensure their safety. This decision was made after consultation with the guests, and after careful consideration, we agreed to prioritize the safety of both guests and employees."

Initially, Burberry's cancellation of invitations sparked controversy over alleged racial discrimination. This was due to a report by a media outlet claiming that Korean attendees were banned from entering the fashion show because they are Korean.

In response, Yoo Ah-in's agency UAA explained, "Since everyone is being cautious due to COVID-19, after discussions with Burberry, it was decided not to attend. The claim that the ban was because they are Korean is unfounded."

Gong Hyo-jin's agency Management SOOP also stated, "Both parties discussed and decided not to attend the fashion show. Given the circumstances, it is a matter of being cautious."