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According to The Korea TimesLee had traveled to Venice to support her husband, actor Lee Byung Hun, whose film “No Other Choice” competed in the main category at this year’s Venice International Film Festival. She was seen attending screenings and exploring the city with actress Son Ye Jin, the film’s lead star.

The controversy erupted when Son shared a photo of Lee standing in front of a church altar, holding the bag with a crucifix in the background. International fans were the first to object, calling the setting inappropriate for a fashion-style photo.

Lee holding a Fendi bag in a Venetian church. Photo from Lee’s Instagram

“It could be shocking and offensive to Catholic believers,” one commenter wrote. Another added: “Using a holy place as a backdrop to highlight a handbag is disrespectful.”

South Korean online communities echoed the criticism, with many calling the act careless and embarrassing. “This is embarrassing as a Korean,” one post read.

Others noted that altars are not open spaces for casual photography, adding that “even if she didn’t understand the religious context, she should have been more cautious.”

Some, however, defended Lee, suggesting the incident was likely unintentional. “She isn’t Catholic, so she may not have realized,” one commenter wrote.

Another said: “The photo itself is beautiful, but the location was the problem.”

Lee, 43, began her career on stage before gaining recognition with a supporting role in the 2009 hit drama “Boys Over Flowers.” That same year, she landed her first lead role in “Smile, You.” She married Lee Byung Hun, 55, in 2013.

Her husband’s latest film “No Other Choice” was co-written, produced and directed by veteran filmmaker Park Chan Wook, based on Donald Westlake’s novel “The Ax.” The movie had its world premiere in Venice on Aug. 29, 2025, earning an eight-and-a-half-minute standing ovation and a nomination for the Golden Lion, according to Deadline. It is scheduled to open the 30th Busan International Film Festival on Sept. 17.