When American fashion line Hollister decided they would send a bevy of models dressed as lifeguards to South Korea to greet customers at the opening of their store in Yeouido, they were supposed to bring a feel of the surf-culture associated with the brand.

Instead, they brought controversy after making racist gestures and obscene hand motions in photos with customers.

The male models, whose names and nationalities have not been released, were flown in for the grand opening of the Yeouido store and posed for photos with locals while shirtless wearing only red board shorts and whistles around their necks.