Maxim Korea Sparks Controversy with Photoshoot Inspired By Min Hee Jin Press Conference

Maxim Korea is facing criticism for showcasing a photoshoot that was influenced by Min Hee Jin’s press conference.

On May 29, 2024, a post titled “Maxim releases photos of Min Hee Jin’s press conference cosplay shoot”was shared on Instiz, a popular online community forum in South Korea. The post featured a photo from the shoot, shared by the original poster.

The model is dressed in a brown and white striped sweater with buttons down the center. Her hair is styled in a tousled fashion, with strands framing her face for the photoshoot. She also has a blue cap on her head.

I’m so angry that I can’t help but say something. Do you really have no brains? How disrespectful are women to how they treat the woman who founded the leading group in the industry? Both the person who planned it and the person watching are disgusted by the very existence of that gender https://t.co/DHFMb1ysnW

— 밈도 (@miumdo) May 30, 2024

In the photograph, she can be observed sitting behind a desk with a microphone in hand and gesturing with her other hand as if she were speaking. A screenshot of a message conversation is visible behind her.

The photo is a strong reminder of Min Hee Jin’s appearance at her impromptu press conference on April 25. She was dressed in a green and white striped top, her hair styled in a tousled ponytail with loose strands framing the sides of her face. Additionally, she sported a blue cap.

Maxim Korea Draws Flak For Releasing Photoshoot Inspired By Min Hee Jin Press Conference (Photo : News1)

Despite receiving backlash, the publication faced criticism for using Min Hee Jin’s emotional press conference as inspiration for their photoshoot. Maxim Korea has a reputation for being a suggestive and provocative adult magazine, often showcasing women in revealing clothing in both their print and online content. A quick glance at their Instagram page reveals their focus on objectifying women for the male audience.

A post shared by instagram

Despite being a successful and creative mind in the male-dominated K-pop industry, Min Hee Jin is often a controversial figure among “Hannam,”a term used to describe misogynistic Korean men. She has faced backlash from many who resent her success and influence.

Despite this, the photoshoot by Maxim Korea sparked negative reactions among viewers due to its portrayal of the subject’s vulnerable moments in a way that caters to the male gaze.

Several comments state,

“What the hell is this?!”

“They didn’t even both to match the color of her shirt. How absurd.”

“This is laughable.”

“Are they f*cking insane? Isn’t Maxim an adult magazine?”

“Maxim?! Ugh, this pisses me off.”

“They aren’t in the right mings.”

“The sexual commercialization of this is insane.”

“Huh? Isn’t this crossing the line?”

“It just goes to show that women who work hard in Korea will be reduced to this in the end.”

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