'Cosmopolitan Korea' has issued two back to back apologies via its official SNS, in response to scathing criticism over a recent pictorial.

On November 25, 'Cosmopolitan Korea' posted a series of photos with the caption, "This is something I'm showing you privately. Four Winter shoe trends!"

The pictorial featured four cuts focused on four different types of shoes: platforms, flats reminiscent of ballet slippers, cowgirl boots, and thigh high boots.

However, soon after the post was published, netizens began to question the "concept" of the photoshoot. Many immediately asked, "Is this seriously an illegal hidden camera (mol-ca) concept?"

In one photo, a woman is photographed below as she climbs a set of stairs in thigh high boots and a mini skirt. In another, a woman is photographed from below once again, in the middle of an action which could be seen as changing clothes. In the final cut, a woman is photographed through the space below the door of a restroom stall, while sitting on the toilet. 

Angry netizens soon flooded the post with criticism and disdain, writing, "This is disgusting", "What f***ed up photographer came up with this", "I'm about to barf", "This isn't art, this is violence", and more. 

In response, 'Cosmopolitan Korea' deleted the controversial post and replaced it with an apology, which read, "We bow our heads deeply in apology to all those who may have felt discomfort from the earlier post. We admit that we failed to carefully consider a sensitive issue in our society, and we are sincerely reflecting on this mistake. We promise to be more careful and conscious in the production of our content from here on, as to ensure that such a mistake does not occur again. Once again, we sincerely apologize."

Less than a day later, 'Cosmopolitan Korea' has issued another, lengthier statement of apology:

"We would like to express our deepest apologies for causing readers further concerns with a statement which failed to convey our full regret over the mistake which was made in an earlier post featuring a certain photoshoot.

'We at Cosmopolitan' admit that we planned, directed, and published a photoshoot which was reminiscent of illegal hidden camera crimes, crimes which continue to threaten the safety and wellbeing of women everywhere; we were engaged in this process from start to finish, and for this, we express endless embarrassment, acute regret, and immeasurable irresponsibility. 

As a magazine which has prided itself in the support of women's career advancements, body positivity, and female confidence and independence, we feel immense shame and regret, and we are truly reflecting on the gravity of this irreparable mistake.

We will endure any and all criticism and rebuke to the bone. To ensure that we do not make such a careless mistake again, we will assume a stern and serious position at every stage of content planning, direction, and publication.

Once again, as a magazine for females in this day and age when we are constantly in conversation with women who are living in this time, we bow our heads humbly out of regret and ask for forgiveness."