[Summary] Lee Ha-nee, Controversy Over 'Parasite' Celebration Photo... 'Parasite' Team States "Lee Ha-nee Was Invited"

Actor Lee Ha-nee posted a photo with the cast of "Parasite" on her Instagram on the 10th (Korean time). Photo by Lee Ha-nee Instagram

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Seul-gi] Actress Lee Ha-nee became embroiled in controversy after attending the after party for the Academy Award-winning film Parasite, which took home four Oscars. When some netizens expressed discomfort, Lee Ha-nee deleted the post and apologized. The Parasite team stated regarding the controversy, "Lee Ha-nee was invited by us."

On the 10th (Korean time), Lee Ha-nee posted on her Instagram, "I never thought I would see a film win Best Picture and Best Director Oscars, taking home four awards. I’m truly happy to cheer together in LA! Long live Korean cinema and Chungmuro," along with a photo taken at the after party with the cast of Parasite.

She added, "I’m so proud. Celebrating and enjoying this moment," and "People might think I won an award, but I’m really just that happy! I’ve slept enough today."

Actor Lee Ha-nee posted a photo holding a trophy with 'Parasite' director Bong Joon-ho on her Instagram on the 10th (Korean time). Photo by Lee Ha-nee Instagram

However, some netizens left critical comments on Lee Ha-nee’s post, saying, "She doesn’t know when to join and when to step back. She’s not even involved, so why did she go to the party?"

As the controversy grew, Lee Ha-nee deleted the post and issued an apology.

She said, "If anyone felt uncomfortable or upset by the post I shared out of a desire to congratulate seniors and colleagues, I apologize. I think I was just eager to share my personal excitement with people back home."

She continued, "I hope those who have made history in other Korean films receive ample congratulations and glory, and I bow my head in admiration for all their hard work."

However, it is known that actress Gong Hyo-jin also attended the Parasite after party. On the same day, Gong Hyo-jin posted photos on her Instagram with director Bong Joon-ho and the Parasite team, congratulating them on their awards.

Actor Gong Hyo-jin posted a photo on her Instagram on the 11th (Korean time) with Lee Ha-nee and Bong Joon-ho, the director of Parasite. Photo by Gong Hyo-jin Instagram

When it became known that Gong Hyo-jin also attended the Parasite after party along with Lee Ha-nee, some netizens criticized the voices targeting Lee Ha-nee.

Netizens said, "Why is Gong Hyo-jin allowed but Lee Ha-nee isn’t?," "I don’t see what’s strange about a colleague attending a congratulatory party," and "More people are nitpicking over trivial matters."

Regarding this, on the 11th (Korean time), a representative from the film Parasite spoke to a media outlet about the controversy.

The representative said, "Since Lee Ha-nee and Gong Hyo-jin are close with the actors in Parasite and happened to be in the U.S., we told them to come to the party venue."

He added, "Lee Ha-nee and Gong Hyo-jin congratulated the cast, and the Parasite actors happily received the congratulations, creating a good atmosphere."

He continued, "Everyone was touching the trophies and taking photos, enjoying the moment. It was a natural occurrence, so when the controversy arose, we wondered why."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.