An overseas photography studio has issued an official apology for leaking private photos of Ok Taecyeon, but public criticism continues to mount.
The company, which captured intimate photos of the former 2PM member, took to social media on April 6th to address the controversy. According to their statement, the photos in question were taken in April 2024, claiming complete ignorance of Ok Taecyeon‘s celebrity status. “We conducted the photoshoot without knowing who they were,” the company stated, adding, “Until yesterday, we were unaware that they were famous in Korea. They made the booking as regular customers.”
The company further explained, “There was no request to keep the photos private,” adding, “So we just posted them as we normally do with all our photos, without giving it a second thought. This was all just an exceptional and innocent situation because we didn’t know who they were.” They concluded with repeated apologies to the public and their families for the unintended disclosure.
Despite the apology, public discourse remains critical. Netizens are particularly taking issue with the company’s reasoning, pointing out, “Does this mean it’s okay to expose photos if someone isn’t famous?” and “Even if they thought they were regular people, publishing without consent is still problematic.”
The controversy stems from photos showing Ok on one knee before his girlfriend against the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, leading to widespread speculation about a proposal. While the company claims they made the photos private immediately upon realizing the situation, Ok’s non-celebrity girlfriend’s face had already been exposed.
The photos went viral on Korean online communities and social media, triggering marriage rumors. However, the actor’s agency quickly clarified that the photos were merely from a birthday celebration event for his girlfriend, not a proposal, putting the marriage speculation to rest.
Source (1)
