Why a Mink Coat Photo Was Deleted: Fur Debate Rekindled in South Korea
Creatrip Team
2 months ago
A photo of Oh My Girl member Mimi wearing a mink (real fur) coat was posted on SNS and quickly deleted, reigniting debate in South Korea about the ethics of natural fur. Critics cite cruel killing methods and animal welfare to call for banning "real fur" (real fur: pelts from animals like mink, fox, rabbit), while supporters argue for personal choice and question inconsistent attitudes toward other animal products. Social media reactions range from admiration and desire to buy the coat to disgust and calls to stop buying mink. Internationally, many European countries have moved to ban fur farming and global luxury brands and fashion bodies have declared "fur free" policies. This shift is tied to a "meaning out" (미닝아웃) consumer trend, where buyers express values through purchases, and to advances in realistic, warm faux fur alternatives. South Korea still permits fur farming, sale, and wear, but the fashion industry increasingly avoids real fur to protect brand image and meet ethical consumer expectations.
