Siddhant Chaturvedi’s Korean Ad Debut with Chae Soo-bin Sparks Backlash Over Alleged Skin Whitening

Bollywood actor Siddhant Chaturvedi has taken a notable leap into the Korean entertainment sphere by starring in a new commercial alongside renowned South Korean actress Chae Soo-bin. The ad, produced for Crocs Japan, is set in a rain-drenched Mumbai and has drawn widespread attention online—both for its unique Indo-Korean pairing and the criticism it has sparked.

The short film-like ad unfolds as Chae Soo-bin walks through a rainy street when she’s splashed with muddy water by a passing car driven by Siddhant. Later, she encounters him again when his car breaks down due to a flat tire. In a romantic twist, she offers him shelter under her umbrella, and they walk together, sharing smiles and playful glances. The video ends with Chae deliberately splashing water on Siddhant’s shoes—a subtle, lighthearted callback to their earlier meeting.

While many fans have praised the charming storytelling and unexpected cultural crossover, a significant number of viewers have voiced concerns about the portrayal of Siddhant Chaturvedi’s appearance. Several social media users have accused the production of digitally altering or lightening his skin tone to make him appear fairer, allegedly to fit East Asian beauty ideals. Comments such as “How much whitening was done for this ad?” and “This looks AI-generated” have circulated widely online, igniting debate about colorism and representation in global media collaborations.

Despite the backlash, many viewers expressed delight at the fusion of Indian and Korean talent, with some hoping this marks the beginning of more collaborative projects between the two entertainment industries. The campaign’s distinct combination—a Korean actress, an Indian actor, a Japanese brand, and a setting in India—underscores the growing interconnectedness of global pop culture.

Chaturvedi, last seen in the action film Yudhra, seems to be exploring new creative territories. Whether the controversy overshadows the cultural novelty of the campaign remains to be seen.