Choi Woo Shik has addressed claims that he discriminated against a Black fan, offering an explanation and apology.
On June 28th, Choi shared a statement in English on his Instagram Story. “Sorry if I missed you! I tried to sign as many autographs as I could, but time was just too short. I really hope we can meet again next time” he wrote.
The post came after allegations surfaced that Choi had passed over a Black fan at a Paris fashion show. On June 26th, a Black woman posted a video on her account, saying she had experienced racial discrimination from an actor at the event. She said she had brought a poster and sign in hopes of getting an autograph from an actor she liked, but that he left after signing for others without making eye contact with her.
“I had the worst experience at the Paris fashion show,” she wrote. “I’m not someone who easily says, ‘This is racism.’ But this felt so strange. My hands are still shaking.”
She continued, “I didn’t go in expecting anything in the first place. Even if he hadn’t signed my item, that would’ve been fine. What I don’t understand is that he came right in front of me and only signed for the other fans. I was the only Black person there.”
The actor’s face was blurred in the video, but he was soon identified as Choi Woo Shik. However, another video later showed Choi signing autographs for other Black fans, leading many to push back against the accusation.
Others also pointed out that the scene appeared crowded and chaotic, suggesting Choi may have simply missed some fans in the rush. Some argued that labeling Choi as racist based on a brief clip could amount to a witch hunt, especially as he has previously participated in Blackout Tuesday, a campaign against racial discrimination.
Meanwhile, Choi is currently filming tvN’s upcoming drama Whale Star. Based on the webtoon of the same name, the drama is set against the backdrop of the Korean independence movement during the Japanese colonial period. It tells the story of a man who gives everything for his country and a woman who risks her life to protect him. Choi plays Kang Eui Hyun, an independence fighter whose father is a pro-Japanese collaborator.
In the meantime, watch trending K-dramas for free on Amasian TV.
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