BLACKPINK Jennie's casual wedding outfit draws mixed reactions: 'Is this a cultural difference?'

Korean netizens are pushing back against recent foreign criticisms of BLACKPINK Jennie’s wedding guest attire, sparking a broader discussion about cultural differences in wedding customs. 

After photos of Jennie attending a friend’s wedding were shared online, foreign comments emerged with criticisms such as, "Korean wedding culture is so insane, everybody looks like they're going to the office" and "If we saw people dressed like that at a wedding, we’d think someone died." Some even remarked, "Casual dress at a wedding? That’s an instant no-go!"  

These remarks took K-netizens by surprise, with many noting that it’s customary in South Korea for wedding guests to wear neat, semi-casual attire in muted tones. 

One user shared, "I guess this is what you’d call cultural differences? Isn’t it polite to dress in black-and-white so as not to stand out more than the bride and groom? I’m shocked that it’s being compared to a funeral." 

Many agreed, explaining that guests usually dress in dark or neutral colors out of respect for the bride and groom, avoiding any attire that might overshadow the couple on their special day.

Some netizens expressed frustration, stating that foreign cultures should "respect South Korean customs" rather than criticize them. 

"I’m not a fan of all-black either," one user remarked, "but Jennie seems to have dressed formally and appropriately. And some foreigners being so dramatic like that is really off-putting. Each country has its own wedding culture, so they should respect that." 

Another added, "They’re overreacting… Dressing like that is being considerate of the bride."  

Others commented on the practice of wearing all black, acknowledging that while it might appear somber, it is largely "the so-called MZ generation that wears all black to avoid standing out, to the point where it really looks like a funeral." 

Overall, most K-netizens defended Jennie’s choice, stressing that "whatever we do, it’s our culture. Why do they have to make a fuss about it?"