After Kim Soo Hyun, Japanese actress Mei Nagano becomes the new victim of this alleged curse; know about it here
Barely two months after Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun found himself at the centre of a scandal that rippled through the entertainment world, another Prada ambassador is making headlines, and not for the right reasons. This time, it's Mei Nagano, the Japanese actress affectionately known as the 'new generation's first love.'
Now, she's the latest name tied to the internet's favourite fashion-world superstition, the 'Prada Curse.'
Prada curse strikes again? Is Mei Nagano the latest victim?
If you're keeping tabs on celebrity gossip in East Asia, you'll know that the "Prada curse" has become a nickname fans throw around whenever a brand ambassador for Prada ends up in a controversy soon after a big campaign or appearance. It's half meme, half superstition, and after Kim Soo Hyun, now it looks like Japanese actress Mei Nagano might be the latest name added to that list.
Nagano, 25, has been under scrutiny after being involved in an affair with actor Kei Tanaka, 40, and fans on social media were quick to point out her recent Prada-related campaign.
Mei Nagano and Kei Tanaka's affair rumors send shockwaves
According to Shukan Bunshun, 25-year-old Mei Nagano is involved an alleged affair with Kei Tanaka, a 40-year-old married actor and father. Pictures from their Halloween celebration at home have now gone viral on social media, leaving fans of the actress in shock.
Shukan Bunshun alleges affair between Nagano Mei (25) and married Tanaka Kei (40) that started in autumn 2024. On Apr 15, they were spotted spending 3 hours at an izakaya before heading back to her apartment. Confronted, he denied staying over before admitting that he did. pic.twitter.com/v5vTbcAnZC
The report goes even further, claiming Nagano may have been 'two-timing," allegedly maintaining a separate romantic relationship with Kim Mu Jun, her Korean co-star from the drama Caster.
Will Prada cut ties with Mei Nagano?
Mei Nagano's partnership with Prada may be at risk due to her recent personal scandal. As a brand ambassador since 2023, Nagano has become a prominent figure in Prada's campaigns and fashion events. However, with her image now tarnished by allegations of infidelity, there are speculations that Prada might distance themselves from the actress to protect their brand reputation.
Neither Prada nor Nagano's management has commented on the situation, but the buzz on social media and shifting public opinion have cast a shadow over the future of their collaboration.
Kim Soo Hyun dropped by Prada as its brand ambassador
In early 2024, Kim Soo Hyun was announced as a brand ambassador for Prada, but his time with the luxury brand was unexpectedly short. In March 2025, Prada confirmed they were parting ways with the actor after serious allegations surfaced, claiming that Kim had been romantically involved with actress Kim Sae Ron when she was underage. The allegations gained traction days after Kim Sae Ron's tragic passing in February 2025, reigniting public scrutiny.
The actor denied the accusations, insisting their relationship began when she was of legal age, and took legal action, filing lawsuits for defamation and privacy violations against those spreading the rumors. Despite his firm denial, the controversy led Prada to sever ties with the actor.
Who are the other actors involved with Prada?
Another frequently mentioned name in the so-called 'Prada Curse' conversation is Irene, a member of the popular K-pop group Red Velvet. Shortly after appearing in a Prada campaign and attending high-profile brand events, Irene became the center of controversy when a stylist publicly accused her of rude behavior on set.
In 2021, Chinese actress Zheng Shuang was dropped just eight days into her Prada deal after surrogacy and tax evasion scandals. That same year, Kris Wu was cut loose following his rape arrest and conviction. Earlier, Ko Chen-tung's 2014 drug arrest and PG One's affair and drug-related lyrics in 2017 added fuel to the so-called "Prada curse" theory where star power meets sudden controversy,.
For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
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