Influencer Choi Jun-hee Responds to Controversy Over Wedding Photoshoot at Memorial Site

Influencer Choi Jun-hee has addressed the controversy surrounding her wedding photoshoot at a memorial site and expressed her anger over the unauthorized release of the photos.

On the 18th, Choi Jun-hee took to her personal social media to clarify, "The photos were taken by a Korean photographer who frequently shoots in Japan. How was I supposed to know in such a large city like Tokyo?" She added, "I never officially released these photos; they were taken and used by a journalist without permission."

The controversial photos show Choi Jun-hee and her partner smiling in front of numerous stone statues. Some netizens speculated that the location might be 'Mizuko Kuyou,' a site known for memorializing unborn babies lost to miscarriage, abortion, or stillbirth.

Mizuko Kuyou is recognized as a place for paying respects to unborn children, and many online have criticized the choice of such a location for a photoshoot, calling it inappropriate. Some even described the act of taking wedding photos there as "creepy." However, it remains unclear whether the site is actively used for ceremonies or if any explanations were provided before the shoot.

In response to a comment stating, "In Japan, taking photos here is taboo. It might be best to delete the photo," Choi Jun-hee expressed her frustration, saying, "I never posted it, so there's nothing to delete." She also shared messages with the photographer to emphasize that she was unaware of the site's significance.

In the conversation, the photographer mentioned, "I will organize the shooting locations and send you the information this week," indicating that they were responsible for selecting the site. Choi Jun-hee reiterated, "How was I supposed to know? I had no idea," and apologized, "I'm sorry, I didn't know much about Japanese culture as I'm more familiar with American culture."

Meanwhile, Choi Jun-hee is the daughter of the late actress Choi Jin-sil. She recently announced her marriage on her personal social media, sharing wedding photos and revealing that she will marry a non-celebrity 11 years her senior on May 16th.

Lee Soo-min, Ten Asia Reporter danbilee19@tenasia.co.kr