Fendi Designer's 'Inappropriate Hand' on Ahn Yujin's Hip Sparks Controversy: "Why Are You Sweeping Up?"

Controversy Arises Domestically and Internationally as Scene Uploaded on X
After Filming, An Yujin Sweeps Up from Pelvis to Waist

Yujin An, a member of the girl group IVE and a Fendi ambassador, attended the Fendi fashion show, where the photo pose of the fashion director who took a picture with her has become controversial. Some fans pointed out that the man’s hand on Yujin An’s hip could be interpreted as sexual harassment, while others argue that this is an overreaction. On the 21st, Yujin An attended the Fendi 2024 FW collection fashion show held in Milan, Italy. She stood on the photo wall wearing a yellow and beige halter-neck long dress paired with beige high-heel sandals.

What unexpectedly caught attention was the man standing next to Ahn Yujin. This man took photos backstage with Ahn Yujin, and the man standing to Ahn Yujin's right placed his left hand on Ahn Yujin's hip.
[Photo by X (Twitter)]

What unexpectedly drew attention was a man standing next to Yujin An. This man took a photo backstage with Yujin An, and while standing to her right, he placed his left hand on her hip. The man was Kim Jones, Fendi’s Women’s Artistic Director. After the photo shoot ended, as he withdrew his hand, he was seen brushing up from Yujin An’s hip to her waist. Yujin An completed the photo shoot without showing any sign of discomfort.

This scene was posted on the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the British magazine i-D and spread through communities, sparking controversy. Fans who saw this expressed discomfort. Domestic fans commented, "Isn’t it inappropriate to have such excessive physical contact with someone you just met?", "Touching the hip is rude and tantamount to harassment," "It’s very unpleasant. I hope they pay attention," "I can understand placing a hand for the photo shoot, but why brush upward?", "Is there no etiquette hand in foreign countries?", and "No matter the foreign culture, it doesn’t fit with our country’s sentiment."

Fendi Artistic Director Kim Jones placing his hand on IVE's An Yujin's hip.
[Photo by X (Twitter)]

Overseas fans also expressed displeasure in comments on the X account, saying, "No matter the work environment, individuals should be respected," and "Touching the hip was excessive, even if it was the waist it might be different." On the other hand, some argued, "I often see poses like that when taking photos with foreign celebrities," and "Kim Jones is gay, so maybe it was a gesture of friendliness."

Meanwhile, in Korea, the culture of using a “manners hand” to minimize physical contact out of consideration for the other person has become established. This is to avoid unnecessary physical contact that could cause public gossip or controversy. However, in countries like the United States and elsewhere abroad, this “manners hand” is often perceived differently, as a sign of “lack of confidence” or “excessive shyness.”