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K-pop star Choi Woo-shik embroiled in racial discrimination controversy

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • South Korean actor Choi Woo-shik is accused of racial discrimination by a Black fan.
  • The fan claims Choi ignored her request for an autograph at a Paris fashion event, while signing for others.
  • Supporters defended Choi, citing chaotic event conditions and his past anti-racism stance, while others believe the incident was discriminatory.

South Korean actor Choi Woo-shik, known for "Train to Busan" and "Parasite," faces accusations of racial discrimination following a Paris fashion event. A Black woman posted a video alleging that Choi deliberately ignored her attempt to get an autograph, while signing for other fans.

I experienced the worst thing at Paris Fashion Week. I'm not someone who easily says 'this is racial discrimination' when I encounter strange or uncomfortable situations, but this situation was too strange, my hands are still shaking.

— Black fanDescribing her experience at the Paris fashion event where she alleges Choi Woo-shik ignored her autograph request.

The woman described the experience as "the worst thing" she encountered at Paris Fashion Week, stating that Choi's actions made her feel singled out. She recounted how the atmosphere became awkward as other fans fell silent, and she was the only Black person present. She further expressed feeling unwelcome at a subsequent party, interpreting his behavior as a message that she "didn't deserve to be there" or "couldn't be his fan."

He signed for everyone else but me, and then left.

— Black fanDetailing the alleged discriminatory act by Choi Woo-shik at the fashion event.

While the accuser did not show the actor's face in her video, some netizens identified Choi Woo-shik. Some defended him, suggesting he couldn't sign for everyone in a chaotic environment. Others pointed to footage showing Choi interacting with other Black fans and argued his signings were random. His past stance against racial discrimination, particularly after the George Floyd incident in 2020, was also highlighted by supporters.

It felt like he was saying, 'You don't deserve to be here,' or 'You can't be my fan.' Honestly, I still don't know why this happened. If it's because I'm Black, then I can't change my skin color, right?

— Black fanExpressing her feelings of being targeted and questioning if her race was the reason for the alleged snub.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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