Actor Rhee Min-jung has clarified after facing backlash for a photo taken in Venice, Italy, that showed a crucifix in the background.
On Sept. 4, Rhee wrote on social media: "This is not a cathedral. It's an event hall and restaurant inside a hotel that preserved the walls of a centuries-old former cathedral. I am Christian, though not Catholic. If standing on the altar to take a photo made anyone uncomfortable, I apologize. I'll be more mindful going forward."
Earlier, while in Venice, she shared images striking a pose that highlighted a luxury handbag inside a venue where a crucifix was visible.
Some commenters accused her of treating a sacred setting like a fashion spread. Others pushed back after the location was identified as a hotel event space rather than an active place of worship, calling the outrage a misunderstanding sparked by confusion over the venue.
Rhee is in Venice accompanying her husband, Lee Byung-hun, whose film "No Other Choice" has been invited to the Competition section of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival. The couple married in 2013 and share a son and a daughter.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)