Gucci cancels fashion show at Royal Palace due to controversy over use of Cheong Wa Dae

Gucci has called off a fashion show scheduled on Nov. 1 at Seoul’s Gyeongbok Palace after criticism arose over fashion magazine photos taken at the former presidential compound of Cheong Wa Dae.

The luxury fashion brand’s Gucci Cosmogonie show’s use of s Gyeongbok Palace, which was the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty, was under consultations with South Korea’s Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA).

The CHA saw the show as a chance to publicize the palace's beauty around the world.

However, the CHA was chastised for allowing the fashion magazine Vogue Korea to photograph models in sensual poses in flamboyant gowns at various locations within the compound, including the former state guest house of Yeongbingwan.

Some members of the former liberal government and netizens criticized the photos for "undermining national dignity" by using the historical site for fashion magazine shoots.

Cheong Wa Dae served as the presidential office and residence for more than seven decades before President Yoon Suk-yeol relocated his office to Seoul's Yongsan neighborhood in May to be closer to the people.

Cheong Wa Dae has been open to the public since then, with nearly 1.4 million visitors as of the end of July.

Gucci requested the use of Gyeongbok Palace for the presentation of Alessandro Michele's latest cruise collection inspired by constellations.

The company proposed a plan to promote Gyeongbok Palace's historical value "as a site where world-class astronomy was studied" and the theme of its collection through the new show, which was approved by the CHA on the condition that historical facts be verified with the assistance of experts.