A recent photoshoot at Vietnam’s Hue Imperial Citadel has caused a heated debate online. Learning why the picture of a Korean hanbok caused controversy can help us understand cultural sensitivity at historic places.

A model wearing a Korean hanbok was photographed in front of Ngo Mon Gate, the main gate of the Citadel. The video on Threads received more than 2,500 likes and nearly 300 comments, and many users questioned whether foreign traditional attire was appropriate at a Vietnamese heritage site.

The owner of the local costume‑rental shop said she had asked an expert before the shoot and was told it was allowed. After the backlash, the shop received insults, threats, many one‑star Google reviews, and the owner filed police reports.

Because of the reaction, the shop announced it will no longer photograph models wearing costumes other than the Vietnamese ao dai at Hue’s heritage sites. An official of the Hue Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism said the department will review the information about the incident.