Netizens defend Lee Min Jung following social media backlash for taking a photo in front of a crucifix

Actress Lee Min Jung recently faced backlash over a photo taken in Venice during her visit to a church.

Lee Min Jung recently accompanied her husband Lee Byung Hun to the Venice International Film Festival for the film 'No Other Choice.' The film was invited to the competition section of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival. While there, she was spotted sightseeing with the film’s lead actress, Son Ye Jin, and later shared updates on social media.

The issue arose from one particular photo taken in front of a church altar. In the image, Lee Min Jung posed with a luxury handbag prominently displayed against the backdrop of a crucifix. The setting and her pose sparked criticism from international fans and netizens.

These netizens argued, "This could be deeply shocking and hurtful to Catholics," "It’s disrespectful to make it look like a bag promotion in a sacred place," "Standing on the altar for a photo was reckless," and "The crucifix was reduced to nothing more than a photoshoot backdrop." Other commenters added, "Playful posing in a sacred space isn’t appropriate," and "It might have been acceptable outside the church, but not inside."

However, Korean netizens came to the actress's defense and questioned what the issue was. They commented:

"I don’t get which part is supposed to be the problem."

"I’m Catholic, but didn’t think much of it. Ah! The only thought I had was maybe she posed to make the luxury bag more visible for a sponsorship post… but the photo itself isn’t a flashy pose or outfit. What’s the issue? People take tons of photos like that, and the altar looks pretty."

"It’s just a photo… since it’s in a place where photos are allowed, I don’t think it’s insulting. The only thing is, it looks weird because Jesus’ feet seem like they’re resting on her head? Almost looks photoshopped."

"People creating an issue over nothing."

"I’m Catholic and really had to think hard about what the problem was."

"When you go abroad, people take tons of photos inside churches."

"People even take wedding photos in churches and cathedrals, what’s the big deal?"

"That commenter probably isn’t even Catholic."

"Overblown hate?"
"I’m Catholic, but I don’t see what the problem is."

"Why is that an issue…?"

"The Bible says not to worship idols… but this is just taking a photo in front of a statue. I seriously don’t see the problem."

"I’m not religious at all, so I didn’t know what could be wrong. After reading the comments, it  turns out nothing was wrong… thank goodness."

"I’m Catholic… there’s nothing wrong with the photo. I almost thought a new rule popped up that I didn’t know about."

"When you visit famous churches as a tourist, everyone takes photos like that. What’s the problem?"

"These commenters probably aren’t even Catholic lol. I am, and I thought nothing of it."

"Seriously, what’s supposed to be the problem…?"

"It just looks like a tourist taking a picture on a trip."