Actress Lee Min Jung Faces Criticism for Church Altar Photo at Venice Festival

South Korean actress Lee Min Jung has sparked controversy after a photo of her posing with a luxury handbag in front of a crucifix inside a church in Venice went viral. The image, taken by actress Son Ye Jin during their visit to support Lee Byung Hun's film 'No Other Choice' at the Venice International Film Festival, drew criticism for being disrespectful to the sacred space, with many online commenters calling it offensive, especially to Catholic believers. Some defended Lee, suggesting she might not have been aware of the cultural or religious sensitivities involved. Despite the backlash, Lee Min Jung has not issued a public statement and continues to share moments from the festival. Meanwhile, the film starring her husband received strong reviews and is South Korea's official submission for the 2026 Academy Awards' International Feature Film category. The incident highlights tensions between celebrity behavior, religious respect, and cultural understanding on an international stage.