Hollywood actor Margaret Qualley touches BLACKPINK member Jennie's hair, asking if it's natural at a fashion show in Paris, Tuesday. Captured from Instagram

Jennie of the K-pop group BLACKPINK is at the center of a racial discrimination controversy following an interaction with a Hollywood actor during a fashion show in France.

The K-pop sensation attended The Chanel Spring/Summer 2025 fashion show in Paris as the official ambassador for the luxury brand.

She showcased a striking new blonde hairstyle that garnered widespread attention. However, a video from the event that surfaced on social media has sparked outrage among fans, with many accusing Hollywood actor Margaret Qualley of racial insensitivity.

In the video, Qualley is seen touching Jennie's blonde hair without permission and asking, "Is this real?"

Fans called out the comment and touching her hair as inappropriate and disrespectful.

Many viewed the incident as racially charged, interpreting the questioning of Jennie's blonde hair as insensitive, especially given the cultural context.

Margaret Qualley is seen seemingly avoiding Jennie's face when posing together. Captured from Instagram

Concerns about racial discrimination against Korean celebrities abroad have been raised on several occasions.

Model Hong Jin-kyung previously spoke about being overlooked by flight attendants on a flight to Paris, while actor Han Ye-seul shared her experience of facing discrimination during her honeymoon in Italy, which also angered many.

In Jennie's case, the situation escalated when, following a friendly greeting, Qualley unexpectedly touched Jennie's hair and questioned whether it was natural.

The controversy has intensified as Qualley appeared to avoid Jennie's face when Jennie posed as if to kiss her while they were taking a photo together.

This incident fueled the accusations of racial insensitivity, intensifying the heated online debate.

Margaret Qualley, the youngest daughter of actor Andie MacDowell, is a model and actor known for her roles in films such as "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," "Poor Things" and "Palo Alto."

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.